Increasing Gold Coast childhood immunisation rates

The Gold Coast Public Health Unit (GCPHU) have reviewed the Gold Coast’s childhood immunisation rates and noticed a decrease over the last 12 months.

The aim is to achieve 95% immunisation coverage for QLD children (under 5 years) to achieve herd immunity and minimise the impact of vaccine preventable disease- Gold Coast is currently at 90% (children aged 2 years old).

“Immunisation remains the safest and most effective way to stop the spread of many of the world’s most infectious diseases” Immunise Australia Program, 2016.

Parents are more informed about vaccination and there is increased vaccine hesitancy since COVID-19 vaccines were introduced. Lack of trust in healthcare providers and vaccine safety are major factors in vaccine hesitancy and refusal.

Delaying childhood immunisation can affect childcare options (No Jab, No Play) and Family Tax Benefits (No Jab, No Pay) for families, which may have a significant financial impact. GCPHU advise clinicians to follow the QLD Immunisation Schedule and avoid administering alternate vaccines at the parent’s request.
Strategies to increase your Practice’s immunisation rates:

• Build trust and supportive communication with families on immunisation
• Always remember to add a recall for the child’s next immunisation
• Opportunistic immunisation – check immunisation status and if due, give the immunisation on the same day (if child is well)
• Have a dedicated staff member to run a monthly report and contact parents whose children are overdue for their routine immunisations

World Polio Day – 24th October
Australia remains polio-free since 2007 thanks to a highly successful vaccination program. Adolescents and adults who have never been immunised against polio are recommended to receive 3 doses of IPV vaccine (funded ≤ 19 years of age and refugees).

General practice nurse opportunity to observe GCPHU vaccination clinic skills
GCPHU are providing an opportunity for nurses new to general practice on the Gold Coast to work closely with GCPHU to enhance their immunisation skillset.
New nurses are invited to complete an expression of interest (EOI) to attend a GCPHU vaccination clinic to observe the vaccination process for a range of consumers and the extensive skills that GCPHU nurses have in supporting a seamless, person-centered approach to vaccination. Nurses attending will also have an opportunity to ask the highly skilled GCPHU nurses’ vaccination related questions. Please note that we anticipate a large demand for attendance and there may be a wait for a clinic place, dependent on demand. Interested nurses are required to negotiate GCPHU clinic attendance with their employer.

Resources
Vaccination Matters Website – resource for patients and parents
QLD Health – Vaccination Matters posters
QLD Health Immunisation Strategy 2017-2022
NCIRS No Jab No Play, No Jab No Pay table
Community Attitude Research on Childhood Immunisation 2022 Report
Questions about vaccination – to help answer questions for vaccine hesitant parents

If you require additional support, you can contact us on 5667 3200 or GCPHUCDC@health.qld.gov.au.