Validity of self-reported vaccination status among French healthcare students

Data on validity of self-reported vaccinations are scarce. This study, performed on healthcare students in Paris (France), aimed to evaluate this validity for occupational vaccinations. The validity of self-reported vaccination status was compared with written information. A total of 432 students were enrolled. Sensitivity rates for BCG, hepatitis B and measles were over 74%. For diphtheria-tetanus-polio and pertussis, sensitivity was below 50%. Specificity was between 70 and 95% for dTP-pertussis, and below 35% for all others. Overall, the validity of self-reported information was low, meaning that checking medical records remains the preferable strategy for assessing immunization status.

Author(s): Loulergue P, Pulcini C, Massin S, Bernhard M, Fonteneau L, Levy Bruhl D, Guthmann JP, Launay O

Publishing year: 2014

Pages: O1152-4

In relation to

Our latest news

news

Sexual Health Week 2026: Screening and Prevention Remain Essential

news

10 years of commitment and action in the service of public health

news

Call for Applications for the Renewal of the Editorial Board of the Weekly...