Implementing an Advanced Nurse Practitioner-led vaccination clinic for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC): A quality improvement project

Abstract

A quality improvement project that focused on the health outcomes of a local population of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) in Cornwall, with a specific emphasis on immunisation.

Aim

To increase immunisation uptake among UASC within four months of their entering local authority care or by the time they turn 18.

Background

Although a successful public health intervention, global immunisation coverage remains a concern. Declining uptake of routine immunisations is associated with increased childhood infections. Poor local UASC vaccination rates reflect the broader immunisation inequalities strategy.

Design

A small test of change was introduced to a clinic for UASC, led by a trainee Advanced Nurse Practitioner. The clinic offered UASC the three-dose vaccination ‘catch-up' schedule within statutory health assessment appointments, extending the already established ‘one-shop’ model.

Methods

The Model for Improvement was applied for this quality improvement project. The vaccines administered were quantified, and post-vaccination surveys were conducted to capture the experiences of clinic users.

Outcomes

UASC vaccination uptake increased significantly during the project, and UASC reported positive experiences at their clinic appointments.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates that offering vaccinations to UASC within a specialist provision improves vaccine uptake, enabling an equitable and inclusive service. The benefits of applying a child-centred and trauma-informed model were evidenced in the positive feedback and improved immunisation outcomes for UASC.