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Factors affecting uptake of measles, mumps, and rubella immunisation
1Department of Community Child Health, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London.
Insights
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation uptake was 82% in the study cohort. Factors like incomplete primary immunisation and socioeconomic status influenced uptake, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reach the 90% vaccination goal.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunisation Science
Background:
- Achieving high vaccination coverage is crucial for community immunity.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation targets are often challenging to meet.
- Understanding factors influencing vaccine uptake is essential for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the determinants of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation uptake.
- To identify variations in MMR immunisation rates among different child demographics.
- To determine the odds of receiving MMR vaccination based on various factors.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study design was employed.
- Data were sourced from computerised child health systems across 10 health districts.
- The study included 7841 children born between January and March 1990.
Main Results:
- Overall MMR immunisation uptake was 82%, falling short of the 90% target.
- Significant variations in uptake were observed across demographic groups.
- Lower uptake was linked to incomplete primary immunisation, including pertussis vaccine omission, birth order, and single-parent family status.
Conclusions:
- Many districts struggle to achieve the 90% MMR immunisation target due to local population characteristics.
- Targeting families with adverse factors, particularly those with missed previous immunisations, is recommended to improve coverage.
- Public health initiatives should focus on addressing socioeconomic and demographic disparities affecting vaccine uptake.
Objective:
To study factors affecting uptake of measles, mumps, and rubella immunisation.
Design:
Cohort study using data from computerised child health systems.
Setting:
10 health districts in North East Thames and North West Thames regions.
Subjects:
7841 children born in January to March 1990 and resident in the districts up till the end of October 1991.
Main Outcome Measures:
Overall uptake of measles, mumps, and rubella immunisation, variation of uptake among groups of children, and odds ratio of being vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Results:
The overall uptake rate of measles, mumps, and rubella immunisation for the study cohort in the 10 districts was 82%. Wide variation was identified among children with different demographic characteristics. Lower uptake was associated with absent or incomplete primary immunisation, including omission of pertussis vaccine. Other factors affecting uptake included the type of resident district, birth order, where registered for immunisation (general practitioner or clinic), and one parent family status.
Conclusions:
Many districts have difficulties in meeting the 90% target for measles, mumps, and rubella immunisation, mainly because of the characteristics of their local population. To increase overall coverage, the health service should target families with adverse factors, especially those whose children have missed previous immunisations.