The immunization of students of Medical Faculty of İnönü University against protectable diseases by vaccination

Objective: Health care providers are at higher risk for infectious diseases in relation to the overall population. In this study we assessed the immunization coverage among the students at Inönü Faculty of Medicine for vaccine-preventable infectious diseases including hepatitis B, hepatitis A, rubella and mumps, intending to create awareness on the issue. Trial design: The study was conducted at Inönü University Faculty of Medicine in September 2014 - May 2016 among medical students. The demographic characteristics of the participants and information on vaccination status were questioned by a questionnaire. Anti-HBs, HAV IgG, mumps IgG and rubella IgG levels in serum samples were determined by ELISA. Results: 460 students were included in our study. 50.9% were male and 49.1% female with an average age of 21.29 years. Seronegativity was detected in 46.8% for hepatitis A, 13% for hepatitis B, 11.1% for mumps and 3,3% for rubella. Seronegativity of hepatitis A has increased in direct proportion to the level of development, and the hepatitis B seronegativity has decreased inversely proportional to the development level. The vaccination coverage was 62,9% for hepatitis B compared with only 3.5 to 7% for the other diseases. Immunization status in participants with a positive history of disease or vaccination was measured based on antibody levels and found to be 85.5% for hepatitis A , 91.5% for hepatitis B, 97% for rubella and 99.2% for mumps. Patients with a positive history of hepatitis B, rubella and mumps or vaccination may not be investigated for antibodies im serum before vaccination. Conclusion: Nearly half of medical students are not immune against hepatitis A. About ten percent of health care providers are at risk because of the absence of immunity against hepatitis B and mumps. All health care providers should be immunized against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rubella and mumps. Keywords: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, health workers, vaccines