title: Accuracy of routine data on MMR vaccination coverage and validity of parental recall of vaccination.
abstract: A study was conducted to re-validate the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) coverage and measles susceptibility in children resident in Bolton and born between 1991 and 1995; also to examine the accuracy of parental recall of children's MMR vaccination status. Using general practitioner/practice held records, a validation survey was conducted on a random sample of 171 reportedly unvaccinated children. A questionnaire survey was used to assess parental recall. 'Records' to 'recall' agreement was examined. One- and two-dose population coverage according to routine data was 94.6% and 75.2% respectively, with measles susceptibility of 8.1%. Based on the 'records' survey, one- and two-dose population coverage estimates were 97.4% (+2.8%) and 78.9% (+3.7%), with a revised susceptibility estimate of 5.2%, respresenting a 36% reduction in the susceptibility fraction. Routine data may modestly underestimate vaccination coverage and significantly overestimate measles susceptibility. Many parents of MMR unvaccinated children believe that their children have been vaccinated.
authors.affiliation: dbhog.lyra@virgin.net
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lyratzopoulos
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aston
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Flitcroft
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Clarke
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008499:Medical Records; D011939:Mental Recall; D010290:Parents; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine