Can the Problem of Uncontrolled and Unnecessary Tetanus Vaccination of Workers Working in Industrial Workplaces Be Solved?

Abstract

Introduction: Since antibodies against tetanus decrease over time and disappear completely, especially in older ages, it is recommended to give tetanus booster every 10 years for adults. However, in some risky occupational groups, tetanus vaccination can be performed more than recommended. In our study, it was aimed to investigate tetanus antitoxin levels, to determine current vaccination histories and tetanus antibody levels by taking blood from workers working in industrial branches. Materials and Methods: After a face-to-face questionnaire was applied to the volunteers, 6 ml of blood was taken and tetanus antitoxin levels were measured with the micro EIA method (Novum Diagnostica-Germany). The results were classified as 1 IU/ml high positive. Results: A total of 189 workers, seven of whom were women, between the ages of 24-65 (43.46 standard deviation±8.0) and working in the industry sector, participated in the study. Tetanus antitoxin levels were found to be high positive (>1 IU/ml) in 180 workers (95.2%), low positive in seven workers, very low positive in two workers, and no negative value was found in any of the workers. Of the workers 118 (61%) had worked in similar jobs before and made two or more workplace changes; 70 workers continued to work in their first workplaces. While 30 workers did not remember tetanus vaccination in the last 10 years, 42 workers stated that they were vaccinated in the last one year, 102 workers in the last 2-5 years, and 15 workers in the last 6-10 years. When the number of tetanus vaccines performed so far were asked, one worker stated that they were vaccinated one time, 25 twice, 31 three times, 12 four times, 13 five times, and 24 six or more times. Seventy seven workers stated that the number of tetanus vaccines they received was too high that they could not remember. Tetanus vaccine of 143 workers (75.7%) was performed in the workplace. Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that the tetanus vaccine was administered to industrial workers in a much higher number than recommended. It was thought that the reasons for this situation may be the insufficient vaccination records of the workers and the lack of knowledge of the occupational health physicians about the tetanus vaccine. It is seen that the tetanus vaccine practices of workers in the industrial sector should be integrated into the primary health care system, which has an electronic Vaccine Tracking System. Measurement of tetanus antibodies in workers whose vaccination schedule cannot be determined may also be a method that can be used when necessary for preventing unnecessary vaccinations.

Keywords

• tetanus
• vaccination
• antitoxin level
• industry workers