Information on childhood immunisation: parents' views.

In a survey of parents' views about information on immunisation conducted in three English PCTs it was found that, while a variety of sources of information were used, health visitors and NHS leaflets were the two most frequently mentioned. Although the majority of parents expressed satisfaction with the information they had received, 20% were not satisfied and the main reason for this was that the information was insufficient or they had to search for information themselves. The findings of this study suggest that there is room for improvement in the provision of information about immunisation to parents. Not only is it necessary for healthcare professionals to be well informed about immunisation but the nature of the way they communicate with parents is important. Community practitioners will be at the forefront of advising parents about the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, to be introduced together with other changes to the routine childhood immunisation programme in 2006, and should build on their existing prominent role in this important field of public health.