Abstract

PIP: An immunization study that surveyed a limited area of participants found that most of the adult population is poorly immunized against tetanus. Among the adult population, women between the ages of 30-60 were the most poorly immunized. The participants were given a questionnaire that assessed the 3 main opportunities for receiving immunization: while in the armed services, in infancy, or by following a course that included 3 tetanus injections. Of the 543 participants who responded, only 69 (13%) had followed a primary course ensued by a booster in the past 5 years. Of the 412 who had not received proper immunization, only 177 planned to make an appointment for a tetanus injection. One month later, only 37 had followed up on the appointment. Future efforts aimed at improving the percentage of immunization should focus on target groups such as older women. It is a plausible method of immunization coverage to review the tetanus immunization record along with cervical smears every 5 years and offering an immunization for this target group.