English Abstract This report describes a study in which the
vaccination-history as well as one or more antibody-levels against
diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis in 448 RIVM-employees have been
examined. One of the findings is that the value of a documented
vaccination-history is limited, probably caused by frequent vaccinations
without a documentation. The serological protection against diphtheria is
less favourable than that against tetanus or polio. Against tetanus a
sufficient level of immunity has been demonstrated in the study population.
The serological protection against polio is type-dependent. A higher
protection has been shown against type 1 than against type 2 and 3. It was
concluded that diptheria could pose a serious problem in the future ; it is
recommended to monitor the serological protection against diphtheria more
closely in the general population. In the study-population no indications
were found for an insufficient serological protection against polio and
tetanus. Moreover no indications were found that could justify an
adaptation of the vaccination policy in the Netherlands, especially with
regard to the duration of the protection.