Peer-reviewed article
Exploring how the uptake of childhood immunisations can be improved in England: A systematic review
Sophie Ames, Gill Kelly ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This systematic review examined strategies to improve childhood immunisation uptake in England, where MMR vaccination coverage has fallen to 85.5%, below the level needed to maintain herd immunity. The review found that reminder and recall activities are cost-effective approaches, while targeted, family-centred interventions work best for underserved populations. The research emphasises the importance of keeping vaccination records current, discussing vaccination status at every healthcare contact, and ensuring staff have proper training and support.
Key points
- MMR vaccine coverage in the UK is 85.5%, significantly below the Department of Health and Social Care herd immunity target
- Reminder and recall activities are identified as cost-effective methods for improving childhood immunisation uptake
- Targeted, individualised and family-centred interventions should be used to promote access for underserved populations
- Vaccination status should be reviewed and discussed at every healthcare contact
- Staff involved in immunisation require appropriate education, training and support
Limitations
This is a systematic review of existing literature and does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions through primary research. The document does not provide detailed outcome data or effect sizes for the approaches identified.
Abstract
A review of best practice in child immunisation was undertaken to help drive uptake Background Childhood immunisations protect communities against preventable and infectious diseases. Coverage for childhood immunisations in the UK is declining and coverage for the MMR vaccine stands at 85.5%, significantly below the target set by the Department of Health and Social Care to achieve herd immunity and prevent sustained disease transmission. Methods Three medical databases were searched using PICO, supported by the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria and critical appraisal. Results Reminder and recall activities are identified as a cost-effective method for improving childhood immunisation uptake but targeted, individualised and family-centred interventions should be utilised to promote access to childhood immunisations for underserved populations. Vaccination data should remain up to date and a child's vaccination status should be reviewed and meaningfully discussed at every healthcare contact and staff involved in immunisation should have access to appropriate education, training and support. Recommendations Understanding how to provide services and improve vaccine coverage for patients who frequently are not brought is identified as an opportunity for further research, as well as analysing the role of public health teams in identifying local inequalities and supporting GP practices to design and deliver bespoke interventions for their community. It is recommended that communication emphasises the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, while highlighting a child's susceptibility or risk to developing complications. Further research is needed to evaluate how best to communicate this to ensure that the information provided is clear and factual and comprehensible to all parents and carers.