MMR immunisation coverage in Christchurch. Christchurch Immunisation Coordination Committee

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Immunology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Childhood immunisation is crucial for disease prevention.
• The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is a key component of routine childhood vaccination schedules.
• Monitoring immunisation coverage is essential for assessing public health program effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunisation status of a specific birth cohort.
• To evaluate MMR vaccine uptake at 18 months of age within this cohort.
• To compare achieved immunisation rates against national targets.

Main Methods:

• A birth cohort of 999 children born in Christchurch during June, July, and August 1995 was identified.
• Children alive at 18 months were matched with MMR immunisation benefit claims.
• Non-matched individuals were traced to ascertain immunisation status.

Main Results:

• The final measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunisation coverage rate for the cohort was determined to be 85%.
• This coverage rate represents the proportion of children who received the MMR vaccine by 18 months of age.

Conclusions:

• The achieved 85% MMR immunisation coverage at 18 months is below the Immunisation 2000 target of 95% coverage by two years of age.
• This finding suggests a potential gap in achieving national childhood immunisation goals within the studied population.
• Further investigation may be warranted to understand barriers to achieving higher MMR vaccination rates.