Tetanus and diphtheria immunity among females in the United States: are recommendations being followed?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine prevalence and factors associated with tetanus and diphtheria immunity among women in the United States.


METHODS
Sera from 9411 female participants from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were tested for diphtheria and tetanus antitoxin. Interview information for adult women was analyzed to examine associations with immunity.


RESULTS
Fifty-seven percent of the female subjects who were > or =6 years old were positive for diphtheria, and 64% of the female subjects for tetanus anti-toxin. Among women > or =20 years old, only 41% of the women were protected against both antigens. Older age, birth outside the United States, and less education was associated with lower immunity. Markers for contact with the health care system were not related to higher immunity.


CONCLUSIONS
More than one half of US women > or =20 years old who were tested were not protected fully against diphtheria and tetanus. All physicians, including obstetricians and gynecologists who may be the sole medical providers for women, should be familiar with the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations regarding tetanus and diphtheria toxoid booster vaccines.
Kruszon-Moran
Deanna M
DM
Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, MD, USA.
McQuillan
Geraldine M
GM
Chu
Susan Y
SY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004165:Diphtheria / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004166:Diphtheria Antitoxin / Q000097:blood; D022422:Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccine / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013742:Tetanus / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin / Q000097:blood; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination / Q000592:standards*; D014932:Women's Health Services
D004166:Diphtheria Antitoxin; D022422:Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccine; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin