Objective: To determine timeliness and completeness of MMR immunization uptake and general immunization status of egg-allergic children referred to hospital for MMR vaccine who were referred back to their primary care providers with explanatory information that community-based vaccination is safe in these children.
Method: Referred children's immunization status obtained from referring practices. Where the practice had no record parents were contacted. Parents whose children had not received MMR were asked reasons for their choice. Timeliness of immunizations was examined for both MMR and the primary schedule. Practices referring more than one child to immunization clinic were analysed to determine whether previous letters from the immunization clinic influenced their referring practice.
Results: 82 children were eligible from 67 practices. MMR status was obtained for 78 (95% response rate). Of these 78, 73 (94%) received MMR vaccination with no reported adverse events: 8 (11%) on time, 54 (69%) late and 11 (14%) timeliness unknown. Five (6%) children had not received MMR vaccination. Three practices were unwilling to carry out MMR immunization of egg-allergic children, even after recommendation from the immunization clinic. Of the five parents whose children had not received MMR, two had actively decided against vaccination.
Discussion: 94% children received their MMR in primary care with no reported adverse effects. The current strategy utilised by the immunization clinic appears to result in MMR immunization of egg-allergic children. While the referral process may result in delayed immunizations, continued education of health professionals may improve timeliness and immunization rates.