Vaccinations in sickle cell disease: An audit of vaccination uptake in sickle cell patients attending Newham University Hospital

Although significant improvements have been demonstrated, this audit shows a low level of adherence to the advised vaccination schedule. The study also highlighted a shortfall in appropriate record keeping, reducing the potential for detailed conclusions being drawn in relation to the childhood vaccinations against MenC, HiB and HBV. Implementation of a new database of vaccination history, raising GP awareness and patient education seminars has lead to a significant improvement in vaccination rates locally and the authors hope that this may be replicated in other centres. There may be potential to increase rates further by administering vaccinations to inpatients.