Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 10, Issue 3, 2008, Pages 263-268

Incomplete immunity and missed vaccination opportunities in East African immigrants settling in Australia (Review)

Skull S.A. , Ngeow J.Y.Y. , Hogg G. , Biggs B.-A.*
  • a Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia, Menzies School of Health Research, P.O. Box 41096, Casuarina, NT, Australia
  • b Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
  • c Public Health Laboratory, Microbiology and Immunology Department, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
  • d Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia, Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases (CCREID), The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia

Abstract

Background: Immigrants and refugees are at particular risk of incomplete immunisation and may be unaware of their vaccination status. There is a paucity of data on the immunisation status of adult immigrants from African countries. Aims: To review the immunisation status of adult immigrants from East Africa, and to identify missed opportunities for vaccination. Methods: A community survey was conducted using self-reported vaccination status, Mantoux skin tests, and serological testing for immunity to hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria and measles. Results: Proven inadequate immunity against at least one of tetanus (67%), hepatitis B (41%), diphtheria (34%) or measles (3%) was found among 100/126 (81%) participants despite a median of seven visits to vaccine providers since immigration. A positive Mantoux test occurred in 17% of participants. Conclusions: Pre- and post-arrival health assessments are currently failing to address vaccination needs in recently arrived East African adult immigrants. Immigrants should have their immunisation status assessed, with opportunistic vaccination provided wherever possible. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007.

Author Keywords

Refugees Vaccination Africa Immunization

Index Keywords

immigrant refugee Health Care Surveys Australia human immigration community middle aged Self Report controlled study priority journal Aged immunity Humans Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants female Review Africa patient compliance adult tuberculin test serology vaccination hepatitis B immunization diphtheria measles tetanus Africa, Eastern health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-40649114799&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-007-9071-9&partnerID=40&md5=b78ed3c9eec8c036e45a5ac352600c3e
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-007-9071-9
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 16
Original Language: English