An evaluation of 1994 school entry immunization certificates on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

Objective: To evaluate school entry immunization certificates and document the immunization status of children enrolled during 1994 in kindergartens on the NSW Central Coast.

Methods: Immunization certificates and non-statutory documentation of immunization for school entry presented by parents were evaluated during visits to 68 NSW Central Coast schools in May and June 1994.

Results: Immunization information for 3741 kindergarten enrollments was reviewed. Of these enrollments, 79% presented immunization certificates of which 10% were incomplete, 14% presented non-statutory documentation and 7% had no certificate or non-statutory documentation. It was considered that 19% of children were incompletely immunized; 8% of certificates presented were incorrectly completed.

Conclusions: The study found that about 80% of Central Coast school entrants were fully immunized. Reliance on immunization certificates as evidence of immunization may overestimate vaccination completion rates, as some certificates may be incorrectly completed. Education of parents, school staff and certificate providers should help to improve both immunization completion and documentation.