Catch-up immunisation and uncertain vaccination history — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10 marks)

A 3-year-old starts at a new clinic. The parent-held book shows some overseas stamps with unclear dates. The national register is empty. [4] [7]

1. Outline how you reconstruct vaccination history at this visit. (3) [1] [7]
2. Explain how you decide whether a past dose is valid. (3) [1] [3]
3. State your default plan if history remains uncertain and there is no contraindication. (4) [1] [4]

Model answer

Search the national register and local records; take a structured history of countries, clinics, products, ages/dates, and adverse reactions; use interpreters and attempt translation of overseas cards. [1] [7] A dose is valid only if it meets minimum age and minimum interval (and appropriate product age band); too-early or too-soon doses do not count. [1] [3] If uncertainty remains after a real search and the child is safe to vaccinate, begin age-appropriate catch-up rather than assuming immunity or waiting indefinitely for perfect paperwork; give due vaccines today, book the next earliest valid visit, and report doses. [1] [4]