Serological survey: immunity to vaccine preventable diseases among detainees at a Juvenile Hall facility

Sera from 378 juveniles interned in a juvenile hall facility between February and March, 1978, were tested for antibody to polio viruses types 1, 2, and 3; diphtheria; tetanus; measles; and rubella. Only 57% of juveniles ages 11-18 years had neutralizing antibody greater than or equal to 1:8 to all three types of polio viruses. Juveniles most often lacked antibody to polio type 3. Over 92% of juveniles tested had a protective level of antitoxin (greater than or equal to .01 U/ml) to diphtheria and tetanus. Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody tests performed for measles and rubella revealed 87.5% and 81% with titers greater than or equal to 1:8 respectively. No major differences in immune status were found between those with a previously documented vaccination history and those without. Based on these data a uniform immunization policy was adopted for Los Angeles County's Juvenile Hall facilities.