Pilgrims bound for Mecca seen at the International Vaccination Center in Strasbourg (France): vaccination coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and influenza

Objective—To assess vaccination coverage against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and influenza among an adult population of pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Method - During the administration of the meningococcal A, C, Y, and W135 vaccine to 721 patients at the Strasbourg International Vaccination Center, the dates of their most recent booster shots for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and influenza were recorded. A vaccination was considered up to date if it had been administered within the past 10 years, except for the influenza vaccine, which had to have been administered within the past year. Results—Of the 721 pilgrims traveling to Mecca aged 21 to 85 (mean age 53), 34% were up to date on their tetanus vaccination; 25% on their polio vaccination; 22% for diphtheria, and 11% for influenza. There was no significant difference between the sexes, but vaccination coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) with age. For the age groups 21–30, 31–50, 51–70, and 71 and older, 56%, 22%, 19%, and 7%, respectively, are up to date on diphtheria vaccination; 63%, 28%, 34%, and 16% for tetanus; and 56%, 24%, 24%, and 11% for polio. Conclusion—Pilgrims traveling to Mecca constitute a specific group of travelers with unsatisfactory vaccination coverage. Information for these individuals and their physicians regarding official recommendations must be widely disseminated in advance of the vaccination campaign against meningitis using the quadrivalent vaccine. (R.A.)

Author(s): Hommel C, Latrech Jung C, Foegle J, Cornaglia J, Bles J, Christmann D

Publishing year: 2009

Pages: 129-32

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2009, n° 14, p. 129-32

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