Home Vaccination Intervention
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
This vaccination intervention provides nurse-administered vaccination at home for children who are behind on their immunization schedule. The program contacted children who were 90 days late for their six-month vaccinations or children who were 120 days late for their 12-month vaccinations. Parents were initially contacted by letter, followed by a telephone call from a nurse to verify the child's immunization status and to schedule an appointment, and to administer a pre-immunization health check. A nurse came to the home and administered vaccination at a time convenient to the parents. Siblings who were due for immunization also received the appropriate vaccinations.
Goal / Mission
The goal of this intervention is to promote catch-up immunizations for children who are behind the recommended immunization schedule.
Impact
Home vaccination for children behind in their immunization schedule is an effective and relatively cheap method of completing recommended vaccinations, and can be particularly beneficial for disadvantaged families.
Results / Accomplishments
This intervention was evaluated using a randomized controlled trial comparing children in the intervention group with a control group. Vaccination was achieved in a significantly higher proportion of the intervention group than the control group (57% vs. 27%, p < 0.001). For the six-month-old vaccinations, 56% of the intervention group and 33% of the control group were vaccinated (p = 0.06). For the 12-month-old vaccinations 57% of the intervention group and 23% of the control group were vaccinated (p < 0.001).
Home vaccinations were completed with 26 families (including five siblings). The average cost per child vaccinated as a result of the home program was $92.52.
Home vaccinations were completed with 26 families (including five siblings). The average cost per child vaccinated as a result of the home program was $92.52.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Royal Children's Hospital Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit
Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Immunizations & Infectious Diseases
Health / Children's Health
Health / Children's Health
Organization(s)
Royal Children's Hospital Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit
Source
The Medical Journal of Australia
Date of publication
May 1998
Date of implementation
Nov 1996
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Melbourne, Australia
For more details
Target Audience
Children