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Routine vaccination coverage of 11 year olds, by ethnicity, through school-based vaccination in South Auckland

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 20
Authors:
  • Loring BJ and Curtis ET
Summary:

This New Zealand study analysed de-identified aggregate data from the Auckland Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB) Public Health Nurses Database on the 11-yearold tetanus and polio vaccinations from 2005, to determine percentages of form return, consent and vaccination receipt by ethnicity, including relative risks for Māori compared to non-Māori students. Reasons for vaccination refusal were also analysed. Overall, 48% of Māori and 56% of non-Māori in Year 7 in CMDHB in 2005 (n=8642) were immunised through the school-based programme. Assuming that parents who stated their child had already received these vaccinations were all correct, the estimated overall coverage in this population for the recommended Year 7 tetanus vaccination was 67% (53% for Māori, and 71% for non-Māori).

Comment:
As the accompanying editorial’s heading stated, immunisation is an important mechanism through which NZ can improve childrens’ health and reduce health inequalities. Other vaccination programmes (for example the MenzB campaign) with targeted interventions for Māori have been extremely successful in reducing disparity between Māori and non-Maori for vaccination rates in school-aged children and improving health status (reduced deaths/ cases). Leaving a consent form with a child is not satisfactory; schools, their nurses, primary care providers have to do more to ensure that parents can provide informed consent for vaccinations.
Reference: N Z Med J. 2009;122(1291):14-21.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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