A prospective study of immunisation for a cohort of children.
OBJECTIVE
To determine rates of immunisation by 24 months of age, the number of times children were recalled and the cost of immunisation for a cohort of children in general practices in Wellington.


METHODS
A prospective study of 979 children registered with 27 general practices. Children in the cohort were followed from 9-24 months old. Data collected included immunisation status, the number of times children were recalled and demographic data.


RESULTS
At the end of the study period (when children reached 24 months of age) 803 (82%) remained with the practices and 176 (18%) had left. At 24 months 724 (74%) of the total cohort and 685 (85.3%) of registered children who stayed with the practice were fully immunised for the early childhood vaccinations. 54% of the cohort were fully immunised after a standard recall process. The average cost per child immunised was $13.33.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to achieve high rates of full immunisation in children registered with a general practice using an effective system of facilitation and support.
McLeod
D
D
General Practice Department, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago. gp@wnmeds.ac.nz
McBain
L
L
Nydam
T
T
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D009520:New Zealand; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D017010:Reminder Systems