East African immigrant children in Australia have poor immunisation coverage

Abstract

Aim: To provide data on the immunisation status of recently arrived East African children and adolescents in Australia. Methods: A prospective audit was conducted at a hospital-based paediatric immigrant health clinic, in Melbourne, Australia, over the time period November 2000-January 2002. Study subjects were consecutive children and adolescents born in East Africa, arriving in Australia after January 1998. Vaccination status was ascertained by parent report and review of patient-held records where available, and by serological testing for immunity to hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, rubella and measles. Results: Among 136 participants, 132 (97%) had incomplete or unknown immunisation sta..