Getting it right—the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register and immunisation rates in south‐eastern Sydney

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To assess the completeness of ACIR data for south‐eastern Sydney children at 12 to <15 months of age and to develop strategies to improve rates. Methods: We surveyed children aged 12 to <15 months listed as overdue on the ACIR011A report, December 2001, by contacting the last immunisation provider or the parents. Results: From the 470 children listed as overdue, 162 children were systematically selected to form the study group. Seventeen were lost to follow‐up and results are available for 145 children. Eighty children were up to date (69, encounter forms incorrect or not sent; 11, vaccinated overseas) and 11 children had moved overseas. Fifty‐four children were overdue (30, provider error due to incorrect Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) schedule or Hib vaccine omitted; 18 did not complete schedule; 6 conscientious objectors). Conclusions: Our study indicates that between 6–9% of children on the register were likely to be overdue, whereas the ACIR011A report identified 19%. Failure of immunisation providers to correctly complete, or send encounter forms to the ACIR was the main reason for this discrepancy. Migration and failure to record overseas vaccination were also factors. Implications: Public health units should develop good working relationships with immunisation providers to assist and encourage immunisation and the completion and submission of encounter forms. A quarterly review, using the third dose assumption, of all children aged 12 to <15 months identified on the ACIR011A report as overdue for immunisation may be an effective w ay for public health units to increase apparent rates for their area.