Compliance with three simultaneous vaccinations due at the one visit at 12 months of age in Australia

Abstract

The introduction of meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (Men C) into the National Immunisation Program Schedule in January 2003 was the first time that 3 simultaneous vaccine injections were recommended for all Australian children. This study aimed to assess the level of simultaneous vaccination at 12 months of age for 4 cohorts of Australian children. The percentage of children with all 3 vaccinations given simultaneously by jurisdiction increased for all states and territories across the 4 study cohorts, however some jurisdictions fared better than others. The percentage of children with all 3 vaccinations given simultaneously varied by the provider type of the Men C vaccine, being lower for general practitioner providers than other providers. Men C vaccine was the vaccine most commonly delayed. The percentage of children who received all 3 vaccinations simultaneously in Australia also varied by indigenous status, with Indigenous children more likely to receive immunisations simultaneously. The study suggests that some children in Australia are at risk of receiving Men C vaccine late, especially children in jurisdictions where general practitioners give the majority of vaccinations. Commun Dis Intell 2007;31:198–202.