Increases in vaccination coverage for children in child care, 1997 to 2000: an evaluation of the impact of government incentives and initiatives

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare vaccination coverage of children in child care before (1997) and after (2000) implementation of government immunisation strategies including parent/providers incentives and surveillance of vaccination uptake. METHODS: Cross-sectional parent surveys of vaccination coverage for children (<3 years old regularly attending child care) in 47 child care centres and 19 councils operating family day care in metropolitan Melboume. RESULTS: Data were collected for 1,578 (72%) children in 1997 and 1,793 (72%) in 2000. In 2000, 93% were completely immunised, a 9% (95% CI 6%-11%, p2 years, 94% were completely immunised before their second birthday in 2000 compared with 80% in 1997. I..