Patient recall of tetanus immunization status

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Public Health
• Family Medicine

Background:

• Tetanus is a severe, potentially fatal, and preventable infectious disease.
• Appropriate immunization is crucial for tetanus prevention.
• Understanding patient recall of immunization dates is important for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the accuracy of patient recall for their most recent tetanus booster immunization.
• To correlate patient-recalled tetanus booster dates with actual dates from office records.
• To discuss current tetanus epidemiology and immunization practices.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted in an urban family practice group.
• Patient recollection of their last tetanus booster date was compared to office records.
• Data analysis focused on the correlation between recalled and actual immunization dates.

Main Results:

• 69% (43 out of 62) of patients estimated their last tetanus booster date within one year of accuracy.
• 53% (33 out of 62) of patients accurately recalled the specific date of their last tetanus booster.
• The study examined the correlation between patient memory and documented immunization history.

Conclusions:

• Patient recall of tetanus booster immunization dates is generally reliable.
• Accurate recall supports the importance of consistent immunization reminders and record-keeping.
• Further research into tetanus epidemiology and immunization practices is warranted.