RCGP-2014-poster-abstracts

Discussion around barriers to vaccination resulted in proposals for the future in order to ensure maximal uptake.
This includes ensuring relevant health care professionals are trained regarding the correct read coding and inputting
of data into the computer system; different methods of patient education regarding the shingles vaccination;
resending of invitation letters to eligible patients who have not already attended for vaccination as well as re-­‐audit in
12 months’ time.
P065
Improving the uptake of the influenza vaccine amongst children with asthma
Charlotte Reddick; Kaushik Chakraborty
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust; The Lakes Medical Centre, Swinton
Background: Influenza is a common contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses. Individuals with
chronic respiratory conditions are at greater risk of developing serious complications. UK policy is to immunise those
at higher risk, including individuals with asthma. However, the uptake of the influenza vaccine amongst patients with
respiratory disease is only 50-­‐52% nationwide. Recent Public Health England recommendations stress the
importance of parents of children with asthma understanding the protection offered by the vaccine.
Aims: To review the uptake of the influenza vaccine amongst children with asthma in one primary care setting.
Methods: Children (6 months – 17 years) with asthma were identified using the practices’ computer database and
uptake of the influenza vaccine was recorded using a spreadsheet. A subset of 30 patients who had not received the
vaccine were randomly selected, and telephone interviews explored parental understanding and views regarding
immunisation.
Results: 82.5% of patients had been invited for immunisation. Only 28.5% of eligible patients received the
vaccination. The most common reason for non-­‐vaccination was being unaware of eligibility. This was followed by
parental opinion that the immunisation was not necessary. Conclusions: Public Health England aims to vaccinate
75% of children with asthma. To improve vaccine uptake clinicians should remain mindful of barriers – including
knowledge of vaccine eligibility, benefits and potential side effects. Practices should consider a comprehensive
approach to increasing immunisation rates – providing clear written information, in addition to reminders such as
text messages, posters at schools and surgeries and verbal information during consultations.
P066
Improving immunisation uptake in children under two: an example from a rural practice
Aiesha Sriram; Paul de Cates; Elizabeth Jones
University of Warwick
Aims/objectives: To identify how many children aged 24 months or under were behind the national schedule and
review for follow-­‐up.
Content: The immunisation schedule of childhood vaccinations is designed to provide early protection against the
most dangerous infections. This is based on age-­‐specific risk of disease and the ability to respond to the vaccine. The
schedule should therefore be followed as closely as possible. An audit of immunisations in a rural practice found 96%
vaccination coverage for children aged < 24 months.
Relevance: The findings of this audit provide an excellent example of how multidisciplinary team work and good
communication can achieve better care for patients.
Outcomes:
• 91 children aged ≤ 24 months were identified: 44 < 12 months; 41 between 12 – 23 months and
• 6 aged 24-­‐36 months. 9 children were identified who were behind on their immunisations
• 2 of these were