Incomplete immunity and missed vaccination opportunities in East African immigrants settling in Australia.
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.
Skull
Susan A
SA
Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
Ngeow
Joanne Y Y
JY
Hogg
Geoff
G
Biggs
Beverley-Ann
BA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000351:Africa, Eastern / Q000208:ethnology; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*