Opportunistic childhood vaccinations in emergency—Are we really missing anyone? (Australia)

Location

International

The authors note that every health service presentation of a child should be considered an opportunity to ensure optimal immunisation. 

In this study, "the vaccination status of every child aged less than seven years that presented to a tertiary hospital ED over a three month period was identified using the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). Contra-indications to vaccination were determined from medical records. A telephone survey or posted survey was conducted with parents of eligible children to confirm ACIR status and whether they would have consented to receiving vaccinations during their presentation. ED records were reviewed for vaccination history recording and ACIR records were reviewed, after interview, to confirm parental reports that initial ACIR status was incorrect".

The authors conclude from their results that there were missed opportunities to vaccinate a small proportion of children in ED. However, they note that parents provided a more accurate timely history of immunisation status than ACIR (where some immunisation records were incorrect) and, for this reason, ED staff should ensure that parents are always asked whether their child is fully vaccinated and provide or encourage vaccination.

Berling, et al. (2012). Opportunistic childhood vaccinations in emergency—Are we really missing anyone?  Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal, 15(1), 37–44.

To view the full abstract and for information on how to access the full text, go to: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1574626711002771#FCANote  or contact your local or organisational library for assistance.