Immunization Rates in a Canadian Juvenile Corrections Facility

Abstract In Canada's judicial system there are more than 31,700 youths admitted to correctional services each year. Given the prevalence of documented medical problems and high-risk behavior in this population, it is important to assess the immunization status of adolescents admitted to juvenil...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of adolescent health 2008-12, Vol.43 (6), p.609-611
Main Authors: Bartlett, Leah, M.D, Kanellos-Sutton, Marina, B.Sc.N, van Wylick, Richard, M.D., F.R.C.P.C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescence
Adolescent
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Corrections
Female
Health Care Surveys
Humans
Immunization
Immunization - statistics & numerical data
Incarcerated youths
Juvenile
Juvenile Delinquency - statistics & numerical data
Male
Medical sciences
Neisseria meningitidis
Ontario - epidemiology
Pediatrics
Prevalence
Prevention and actions
Prisons - statistics & numerical data
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Social behavior disorders. Criminal behavior. Delinquency
Specific populations (family, woman, child, elderly...)
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Summary:Abstract In Canada's judicial system there are more than 31,700 youths admitted to correctional services each year. Given the prevalence of documented medical problems and high-risk behavior in this population, it is important to assess the immunization status of adolescents admitted to juvenile detention facilities. We completed a chart review of all youth admitted to an adolescent custody facility in Kingston, Ontario, between January 2003 and October 2005. There were 234 admissions, representing a total of 148 youths between the ages of 12 and 17 years. Of the youths, 73% had incomplete immunizations according to National Advisory Committee on Immunizations. In all, 49% (73 of 148) were missing tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis immunizations; 33% (49 of 148), meningococcus; 2% (four of 148), measles, mumps, and rubella; and 37% (55 of 148), hepatitis B. Successful immunization delivery within the detention facility increased complete immunization rates from 27% to 65%. This study shows the prevalence of incomplete immunizations in this population of adolescents. Given this data, there should be a greater focus on obtaining immunization records and on consistently delivering immunizations.
ISSN:1054-139X
1879-1972
DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.04.008