[Travelers' knowledge of vaccines. A survey including 400 people having consulted an international vaccination center].

UNLABELLED

The authors conducted a survey in an international vaccination centre. The aim of the study was to assess the travelers' knowledge of vaccines and to check their health record to determine the vaccination rate. We used a self-administered questionnaire and added vaccination certificates to the document.

RESULTS

Most of the travelers knew about complications due to vaccinations, but ignored their contraindications. Knowledge decreased over the age of thirty. The travelers agreed with antihepatitis B vaccination and only 10% mentioned the risk of multiple sclerosis. The list of compulsory vaccinations and their schedule were well-known but some of the travelers ignored their vaccine status and said they trusted their general practitioner. Only 40% of people over 20years of age were able to present their national or international vaccination certificate, a reason for underestimating the vaccination rate.

CONCLUSION

It would be necessary to have a "World Health Organization" type vaccination certificate available for all French people over 20years of age, while improving the smart health card and training practitioners to better inform their patients about vaccinations.