Are they protected? Immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases in healthcare workers at an Australian hospital

Abstract

Objective: Australian guidelines for healthcare worker (HCW) vaccination were updated in 2010, and pre-employment assessment of new employees has previously been identified as a priority. We determined the vaccination status of a cohort of existing HCWs at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Victoria. Methods: Random sampling of HCWs employed prior to 2006 with unknown/incomplete immunisation status was conducted between April and August 2011. Immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) was determined serologically (hepatitis B, varicella, measles, mumps, rubella) and by questionnaire (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), with vaccination by a nurse immuniser. Results: Overall, 95 HCWs were..