Susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases in a sexually transmitted disease clinic population.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics often serve a population that has low medical care utilization. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of an STD clinic population to vaccine-preventable diseases.

STUDY

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study of immunization practices and susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases was undertaken by enrolling consecutive patients attending an STD clinic. Demographic information and a history of disease or immunization was assessed by interview. Immunity to measles and rubella was determined by measuring IgG antibodies by ELISA assays.

RESULTS

Of the 288 patients evaluated, the mean age was 28 years and 70.5% were male. Serologically, 16.3% were susceptible to rubella and 8% to measles. Only 8% reported hepatitis B immunization. Although measles protection was high, nearly one in six was susceptible to rubella. Hepatitis B immunization was severely underused.

CONCLUSION

Baltimore STD clinic patients may benefit from an enhanced rubella and hepatitis B prevention strategy.