Tetanus immunization among healthcare professionals: cross-sectional study in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccine-preventable diseases can be effectively managed through timely vaccine booster doses. In this study, the tetanus vaccination status of healthcare professionals and their level of knowledge about tetanus vaccination were investigated.

Methodology: The data were obtained through a survey questionnaire from 336 healthcare professionals. The survey participants were recruited on a voluntary basis among the personnel working in a tertiary hospital between 1 July 2021 and 30 September 2021. The participants were asked about their tetanus vaccination status and general awareness about the tetanus vaccine.

Results: The survey participants included nurses (41.4%, n = 139), doctors (39.9%, n = 134) and support unit personnel (18.8%, n = 63). The support unit personnel had insufficient knowledge about military service period, pregnancy period, vaccination of women aged 15-49 years, and the necessity of booster tetanus vaccine every 10 years. Interestingly, the nurses had significantly inadequate knowledge of geriatric tetanus vaccination.

Conclusions: Although the tetanus immunization program is widely implemented throughout the country, our study concluded that it is necessary to educate healthcare professionals on the importance of the tetanus vaccine.

Keywords: Healthcare professionals; tetanus toxoid; vaccination.