RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 An audit of immunisation status of sickle cell patients in Coventry, UK
JF Journal of Clinical Pathology
JO J Clin Pathol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists
SP 42
OP 45
DO 10.1136/jcp.2008.058982
VO 62
IS 1
A1 M Howard-Jones
A1 L Randall
A1 B Bailey-Squire
A1 J Clayton
A1 N Jackson
YR 2009
UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/62/1/42.abstract
AB Protection against infection is a key aim of any care programme for patients with sickle cell disorders, and is one of the stated objectives of the UK national neonatal screening programme. An audit of the immunisation status of the 58 sickle cell patients living in Coventry was carried out against UK national guidance (2006). Among 25 children (aged ⩽16 years), 14 (56%) had complete immunisation against pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningococcus group C (MenC), with eight (32%) having some coverage, and three (12%) having none at all. Among 33 adults, only four patients (12%) had complete coverage, with up-to-date coverage against pneumococcus 21%, Hib 18% and MenC 15%. Current (ie, within the last year) immunisation against viral influenza was found in only 12% of adults and 8% of children. These rates are similar to those found in other UK studies. If the potential benefits of neonatal screening are to be realised, an effective immunisation programme is essential. There are key roles for haemoglobinopathy nurse specialists, and the proposed national haemoglobinopathy database, in improving the rates of immunisation coverage.