Refugee youth--immunisation status and GP attendance.

BACKGROUND

We describe reported immunisation status and primary health care utilisation in refugee and migrant young people in western Sydney, New South Wales.

METHOD: Students attending an Intensive English Centre (IEC) high school in western Sydney were surveyed for self reported general health, immunisation status of hepatitis B and measles, mumps and rubella and attendance at general practice following arrival in Australia.

RESULTS

Of 165 respondents, 68 (41%) had a named general practitioner and 66 (40%) reported seeing a doctor in Australia. Students who had not seen a doctor in Australia were significantly more likely to request immunisation.

DISCUSSION: Refugee and migrant young people are likely to have a poor utilisation of primary health care relative to their needs. Most who had seen a GP in Australia required catch up immunisation. Stronger links and increased GP education about the requirements of these young people are needed to improve immunisation status and GP utilisation in this high risk group.