Dr Cristina Sotomayor-Castillo1, Ms. Tara MacPhee1, Mrs. Jane Connolly1, Mrs. Nicole Keyes1
1Justice Health NSW, Population and Preventative Health Directorate, Population Health, Sydney Olympic Park, Australia
Biography:
Dr Sotomayor-Castillo joined Justice Health NSW early 2022. She holds a DVM bachelor's degree, a Masters in Preventative Medicine and Epidemiology, and a PhD in the utility of genomics science as an effective surveillance and monitoring tool for early outbreak detection. Her knowledge and experience in the fields of infectious diseases, outbreak management and IPC are extremely relevant considering the unique and challenging circumstances surrounding custodial settings and the high vulnerability of its population.
Abstract:
Introduction
People in custody are highly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza. Custodial settings can serve as epicentres of respiratory infection outbreaks due to multiple factors and challenges which may increase transmission. Early, informed, and effective winter immunisation programs (WIP) are crucial to ensure the health and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals.
Methods
Observational retrospective analysis on the WIP-2024 that Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (JHNSW) carries out for our patients state-wide. Descriptive analysis on the influenza vaccine coverage across centres by key demographic data was performed. Challenges encountered were also identified.
Results
WIP-2023 saw low uptake of Flu vaccinations, with COVID-19 triggered vaccination fatigue as well as reduced nurse immunisers capacity across remote and regional custodial centres identified as key challenges to take into consideration to improve vaccination uptake for WIP-2024. This season, a total of 4,453 flu vaccines have been administered until mid-June-24, equivalent to 15.3% increase compared with previous season. However, 13.7% of patients still declined being vaccinated during WIP-2024.
Conclusions
Since COVID-19, JHNSW has faced new challenges in achieving effective vaccination uptake by the population living in custodial centres. These have the potential of increasing disease transmission risks and other risk factors associated to morbidity and mortality indicators. Just like in the community setting, vaccination fatigue continues playing an important role. Custodial population requires a multi modal approach utilising targeted interventions to boost vaccination rates, along with effective Infection prevention and control practices to protect and improve population’s health outcomes.