Peer-reviewed article
Using the Tailoring Immunization Programmes guide to improve child immunisation in Umina, New South Wales: we could still do better
Katarzyna T. Bolsewicz, Susan L Thomas, Donna Moore, Colleen Gately, Andrew J. Dixon et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined why some children in Umina, New South Wales were behind on vaccinations despite high overall immunisation rates of 95% in the region. Researchers interviewed 52 parents, community members and health workers to understand barriers to vaccination. They found that while parents supported immunisation, socioeconomic pressures, limited access to services, and underuse of reminder systems were key obstacles. The study recommends better use of data and reminder systems, expanded access to free immunisation services, and support for families facing economic hardship.
Key points
- 218 children in Umina were at least one month overdue for vaccination during 2018
- Parents largely supported immunisation and understood its benefits, but socioeconomic pressures influenced service uptake
- Health providers were committed and collaborative, but immunisation services had limited accessibility in Umina
- Australian Immunisation Register data and reminder systems were underutilised for prompting parents and planning services
- Tailored immunisation strategies should address socioeconomic factors and improve equitable access to primary health care
Limitations
This is a qualitative study based on interviews in one local area, so findings may not generalise to other regions. The study identifies barriers and opportunities but does not test whether specific interventions to address these barriers actually improve immunisation rates.
Abstract
In the Central Coast Local Health District of New South Wales, Australia, childhood immunisation (CI) rates are around 95%, but pockets of underimmunisation exist. Using the World Health Organization's Tailoring Immunization Programmes, we identified areas of potential low vaccine coverage using Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data (2016-18) and investigated factors that influence CI. Individual and group interviews with carers, community members and service providers (n=52 participants) were conducted. Data were analysed thematically and the themes presented to stakeholders for feedback before finalisation. During 2018, Umina had 218 children at least 1 month overdue for at least one vaccination. Five themes emerged: (1) broader socioeconomic factors may apply pressures that influence CI; (2) parents largely supported immunisation and knew of its benefits to their children and the community; (3) immunisation service providers are committed, experienced and collaborate with community partners; (4) there is potential to increase access to free immunisation services in Umina; and (5) AIR data and reminder systems could be better used to inform service delivery and prompt parents before immunisations are due. This study identified opportunities to improve CI coverage in Umina and new information useful in developing a tailored immunisation strategy. Awareness of the pressures socioeconomic factors may have on families could help plan and deliver supportive primary health care that includes equitable access to immunisation.