[Immunisation coverage in the adult workforce 2003. Utilisation of routine occupational health checks to ascertain vaccination coverage in employees]

Abstract

The immunisation campaign from February to December 2003 in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein focused for the first time on the immunisation coverage in adults in the workforce. During routine occupational health checks vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A and B (according to vaccination certificates) as well as vaccinations carried out on site (active duty) were documented. We received 12,770 anonymous and completed questionnaires including 4167 from healthcare workers (with immunisation certificate 11,260 and 3776, respectively). The campaign was useful in several respects: (1) For the first time data on the immunisation coverage of the active work-force became available for Schleswig-Holstein. (2) The acceptance of vaccinations by the employees was increased in general and also influenced family members. (3) Occupational health physicians can close important gaps in immunisation coverage. The results show that (1) immunisation coverage was higher in women, young adults and health-care workers and (2) if a vaccine is available, then acceptance is also present. Within the joint effort of the continued regional vaccination campaign waged since 1999, the previous focus of the campaign's activities (children and adolescents) has now had a positive impact on vaccination coverage in the age groups under 20 years and up to 29 years.