Measles prevention in adolescents: lessons learnt from implementing a high school catch-up vaccination programme in New South Wales, Australia, 2014–2015

Authors

  • Sonya Nicholl Immunisation Unit, Health Protection New South Wales, Australia
  • Holly Seale School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, New South Wales, Australia
  • Vicky Sheppeard Communicable Diseases Branch, Health Protection New South Wales, Australia
  • Sue Campbell-Lloyd Immunisation Unit, Health Protection New South Wales, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2016.7.1.009

Abstract

Introduction: In response to a significant increase of measles cases and a high percentage of unvaccinated adolescents in New South Wales, Australia, a measles high school catch-up vaccination programme was implemented between August and December 2014. This study aimed to explore the factors affecting school-based supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) and to inform future SIA and routine school-based vaccination programme implementation and service provision.

Methods: Focus group analysis was conducted among public health unit (PHU) staff responsible for implementing the SIA catch-up programme. Key areas discussed were pre-programme planning, implementation, resources, consent materials, media activity and future directions for school vaccination programme delivery. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and reviewed. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the major themes.

Results: Two independent focus groups with 32 participants were conducted in January 2015. Barriers to the SIA implementation included lead time, consent processes, interagency collaboration, access to the targeted cohort and the impact of introducing a SIA to an already demanding curriculum and school programme immunization schedule. A positive PHU school coordinator rapport and experience of PHU staff facilitated the implementation. Consideration of different approaches for pre-clinic vaccination status checks, student involvement in the vaccination decision, online consent, workforce sharing between health districts and effective programme planning time were identified for improving future SIA implementation.

Conclusion: Although many barriers to school programme implementation have been identified in this study, with adequate resourcing and lead time, SIAs implemented via a routine school vaccination programme are an appropriate model to target adolescents.

Author Biographies

Sonya Nicholl, Immunisation Unit, Health Protection New South Wales, Australia

Senior Policy Analyst

Health Protection NSW

NSW Health

Holly Seale, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, New South Wales, Australia

Senior Lecturer and Course Convenor Current Challenges in Infectious Diseases and Internship Program. School of Public Health and Community Medicine

Vicky Sheppeard, Communicable Diseases Branch, Health Protection New South Wales, Australia

Director, Communicable Diseases Branch

Sue Campbell-Lloyd, Immunisation Unit, Health Protection New South Wales, Australia

Manager, Immunisation Unit

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Published

01-09-2016

How to Cite

1.
Nicholl S, Seale H, Sheppeard V, Campbell-Lloyd S. Measles prevention in adolescents: lessons learnt from implementing a high school catch-up vaccination programme in New South Wales, Australia, 2014–2015. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2016 Sep. 1 [cited 2026 Mar. 30];7(3). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/430

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2016): July – September

Section

Original Research

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