Maintaining high rates of measles immunization in Africa

Epidemiol Infect. 2011 Jul;139(7):1039-49. doi: 10.1017/S0950268810002232. Epub 2010 Oct 5.

Abstract

Supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) are important in achieving high levels of population immunity to measles virus. Using data from a 2006 survey of measles vaccination in Lusaka, Zambia, we developed a model to predict measles immunity following routine vaccination and SIAs, and absent natural infection. Projected population immunity was compared between the current programme and alternatives, including supplementing routine vaccination with a second dose, or SIAs at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year intervals. Current routine vaccination plus frequent SIAs could maintain high levels of population immunity in children aged <5 years, even if each frequent SIA has low coverage (e.g. ≥ 72% for bi-annual 60% coverage SIAs vs. ≥ 69% for quadrennial 95% coverage SIAs). A second dose at 12 months with current coverage could achieve 81% immunity. Circulating measles virus will only increase population immunity. Public health officials should consider frequent SIAs when resources for a two-dose strategy are unavailable.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs / methods
  • Immunization Programs / statistics & numerical data
  • Immunization Schedule
  • Infant
  • Measles / immunology
  • Measles / prevention & control*
  • Measles Vaccine / therapeutic use*
  • Measles virus / immunology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Zambia / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Measles Vaccine