Epidemiology of hepatitis B vaccine acceptance among urban paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
BACKGROUND
The epidemiologic pattern of hepatitis B vaccination acceptance has not been thoroughly examined in medical first responders.


METHODS
A blood-borne pathogen questionnaire was administered to 255 paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a large, urban fire department.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of hepatitis B vaccination was 78%. The most frequently cited reason for not getting vaccinated was fear of contracting the hepatitis B virus from the vaccination (26%). Vaccination scheduling difficulties (23%) and lack of time to get vaccinated (20%) were also cited. Increased age, being an EMT, and not having obtained the rank of officer were independently and significantly associated with not having been vaccinated.


CONCLUSIONS
Educational campaigns for medical first responders are needed to increase vaccination compliance, with a special emphasis on older workers and EMTs. Administrative barriers, such as vaccination scheduling difficulties, should also be addressed.
Lee
D J
DJ
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101, USA.
Carrillo
L
L
Fleming
L
L
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines