Adolescent health brief: Immunization Rates in a Canadian Juvenile Corrections Facility

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. [Copyright 2008 The Society for Adolescent Medicine; published by Elsevier Inc.]