Health + Tech | Technology increasing access to immunisation services

Vaccination, a practice dating back to the 15th century and gaining broader acceptance in the late 1700s, has been pivotal in public health globally.

The establishment Jamaica’s immunisation programme in the 1980s marked a significant stride towards safeguarding public health. Over the years, this programme has proven effective in curbing the spread of preventable diseases.

However, amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a concerning rise in vaccine hesitancy. More individuals are questioning the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, potentially jeopardising public health gains. As the saying goes, when a problem recedes from immediate view, its preventative solutions often fade from public consciousness. This phenomenon appears to have taken hold in our approach to vaccination, threatening the future of our immunisation efforts.

Despite legal mandates requiring childhood immunisation, enforcement has been lenient. The Government often hesitates to penalise parents and guardians who neglect these obligations, understanding the complexities involved. Yet, while the law stands in support of our healthcare system, we must explore alternative avenues to enhance vaccine accessibility, particularly for those in need.

There is generally an uptick in vaccination right before the new school year because of the mandate that all school-aged children are required to be vaccinated as per the Ministry of Health’s schedule. Still, there are those who fall through the cracks, because of, among other things, vaccine hesitancy. Addressing vaccine hesitancy demands proactive measures. It necessitates reinforcing public trust in vaccines through education and accessible healthcare services. Strengthening our immunisation program’s outreach and availability can mitigate scepticism and move towards broader vaccine acceptance.

Technology can help in this regard. Mobile technology has already revolutionised the landscape of vaccination campaigns in some countries, offering powerful tools to overcome barriers like vaccine hesitancy. At the forefront of this technological advancement are digital platforms that streamline the entire vaccination process. These platforms facilitate real-time monitoring of vaccine distribution, allowing health authorities to track vaccine inventory accurately and ensure timely replenishment where needed. Such oversight not only enhances operational efficiency but also minimises the risk of supply shortages, crucial for maintaining public trust and participation.

APPOINTMENTS MANAGEMENT

Central to the role of mobile technology is its capability to manage vaccination appointments seamlessly. Mobile applications and SMS-based systems play a vital role in scheduling and coordinating vaccination sessions. They provide convenient platforms for individuals to book appointments, receive personalised reminders, and stay informed about vaccine availability. This proactive communication ensures that vaccine recipients adhere to multi-dose vaccination schedules, optimising the effectiveness of immunisation efforts.

There are several apps that can be incorporated into the existing vaccination programme to help to improve vaccine uptake and combat misinformation. These include:

• MyVaccine: This app provides personalised vaccination schedules based on age, health conditions, and travel history. It sends reminders for upcoming vaccines and allows users to keep track of their immunisation records.

• Vaccination Reminder: This app was developed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It helps users keep track of their vaccination schedule, sends reminders for upcoming vaccines, and offers educational information about vaccines.

• Immunization Scheduler: This app helps users track their vaccination history and schedule future vaccines. It also provides information about vaccine types and their importance.

• Vaccine Tracker: Designed to assist parents and caregivers, this app allows for the management of vaccination records, sets reminders for upcoming vaccines, and provides detailed information about vaccine schedules for children and adults.

• HealthVault (by Microsoft): While not exclusively for vaccinations, this app integrates with various health records and offers features to track immunisations, set reminders, and manage health data effectively.

These apps aim to streamline the process of keeping up with vaccinations, making it easier to manage and track immunisation schedules.Jamaica’s immunisation program has achieved significant gains in public health, effectively reducing the incidence and prevalence of preventable diseases across the island. It would be unfortunate if after all this effort we should lose these gains. This is why it is important to begin to incorporate more technology into the programme.Strengthening education, accessibility, and community engagement are also important.

Doug Halsall is the chairman and CEO of Advanced Integrated Systems. Email feedback to doug.halsall@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com.