Childhood vaccination

You are currently viewing a topic page that is part of the Cluster Planning Support Portal (CPSP). Each topic page comprises (a) topic-specific strategic context; (b) signposting to data analyses relating to local health needs; and (c) improvement action options.

A. Strategic context

Consider the national strategic context for prioritising improvement action in this area (in conjunction with your health board’s annual plan and regional partnership board’s area plan). The strategic importance of a given topic is key to thinking about how our actions align with local or national initiatives and policies to deliver collective and measurable impacts on population health.

• It is important that all children and babies are fully immunised to protect them from potentially serious diseases; once common illnesses, such as diphtheria and tetanus, are now rare in the UK because of immunisation.
• The Green book (UK HSE) notes that whilst the primary aim of immunisation is to protect the individual receiving a vaccine, vaccinated individuals are less likely to be a source of infection for others, reducing the risk of infection for unvaccinated individuals. When vaccine coverage is sufficient to induce a high level of population immunity (herd immunity) infections can be eliminated. However, diseases could return if high coverage is not maintained.
• Indicators for this topic are reported via Primary Care Measures and the NHS Wales Delivery Framework.

B. Data analyses

Consider statistical indicators and other evidence on population needs to compare your own position to that of others, both within and without your health board (where possible). If relevant, consider any additional local data requirements that might contribute to an informed decision on action.

• Indicator: Description of a recommended indicator relating to this topic, which would inform population needs assessment.
• Data source and link: Who produces the analysis and where to find the most current analysis on their website (NB the most current analysis may not utilise the most recent data).
• Documentation link: Where to find general advice on interpreting the analysis e.g. what is/ is not included, any caveats, etc.

C. Improvement actions

Identifying priority actions involves seeking and appraising evidence on effective and cost-effective improvement options.  The below options are a starting point for considering interventions at practice, cluster/ professional collaborative or pan-cluster level.  The make-up of your cluster and the stakeholders you work with is likely to influence they type of actions you take.

Reviewed by: BM/VT | Review date: 07/08/22 | Topic code: IDP-002