Child immunisation is predominantly provided in primary care by health visitors, practice nurses and general practitioners. Immunisation queries are dealt with in several ways depending on local expertise, for example telephone advice (health protection unit or community paediatrician) or by a clinic visit (general paediatric or immunisation clinic).

In Stockport a referral service for immunisation has existed for over 15 years. Children are assessed, investigated and immunised as appropriate, either in the clinic or under observed conditions on the paediatric ward. The service has close links …