Measuring inequalities in immunization in Wales and the impact of interventions

Abstract

We reviewed uptake of childhood immunization in Wales by quintile of deprivation and found that uptake was significantly lower in residents in the most socio-economically deprived areas compared with the least deprived. Differences were greater in older children. Services generally met best practice recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; however, follow up of children who had not responded to invitations to attend routine immunization sessions needed more consistent implementation. Over a three year period to 2014–15 the difference in uptake between upper and lower quintiles at the fourth birthday reduced from 8.9% to 6.7%.