Journal of Public Health Advance Access originally published online on March 20, 2006
Journal of Public Health 2006 28(2):133-136; doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdi078
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Implementing the new BCG vaccination guidelinesa maternity hospital-based clinic approach
Deepa Athavale, Senior House Officer1
Sarah McCullough, Information Officer2
Helen Mactier, Consultant Neonatologist1
1 Neonatal Unit, Princess Royal Maternity, 8-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
2 Public Health Protection Unit, Dalian House, 350 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G3 8YU, UK
Address correspondence to Helen Mactier, E-mail: helen.mactier{at}northglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
Background With the recent changes to the UK BCG vaccination programme, the emphasis on childhood immunisation changes to identification and immunisation of at risk neonates. We report our experience of improving the system for provision of early BCG immunisation to high-risk infants born in the east of Glasgow.
Methods A maternity hospital-based BCG clinic was established, together with a programme designed to increase awareness among midwifery and junior medical staff.
Results Neonatal identification of at risk infants increased by 300% and was associated with high rates of clinic attendance and a 93% uptake of BCG immunisation in early infancy. Almost all infants were immunised within the first three months of life.
Conclusion Targeting parents prior to discharge from the maternity unit is an effective means of implementing BCG immunisation guidelines. The clinic model described is a successful and easily implemented example of co-operation between acute and community services.
Keywords: immunisation, newborn, tuberculosis, BCG