TETANUS IMMUNIZATION STATUS AND RISK OF OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS AMONG WORKERS OF MECHANICAL WORKSHOPS IN PARNAMIRIM CITY, RN

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Tetanus is a serious vaccine-preventable disease that remains a significant health risk in certain occupations. In Brazil, the Health Ministry recommends to administer three doses in the first year of life followed by booster doses at 15 months and 4 to 6 years old. However, it is recommended booster dose every ten years after the last dose. The aim of the study was to analyze the risk of occupational accidents and tetanus immunization status in a risk group of workers. METHOD: Observational cross-sectional survey performed on 43 employees of mechanical workshops in Parnamirim city, Rio Grande do Norte state. Survey data was collected by using a questionnaire. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that 37% of the sample were vaccinated with Tetanus Toxoid for the last time within 5 years, 21% were vaccinated between the last 5 and 10 years, 9% in over 10 years, 7% have never been vaccinated, and 26% didn’t remember the last dose. Relative to the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 58% said they use the PPE, 30% confirmed they never use the PPE, and 12% claimed the use of PPE only sometimes. Referring to employees who do not use PPE, most of them (56%) had more than 10 years of service. About the occupational accidents, 65% reported having suffered accidents. The analysis shows that, although most of the sample is covered by vaccination, the work accident rate in the study was very high, leading to a high exposure to tetanus.