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Published on: September 10, 2010
Mumps and rubella eliminated from Finland
H Peltola1, I Davidkin, M Paunio
1Hospital for Children and Adolescents, PO Box 281, FIN-00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland. heikki.peltola@hus.fi
Abstract:
Many countries use trivalent measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine for their mumps and rubella immunization programs. In Finland, a national 2-dose MMR vaccination program for children, free of charge and on a voluntary basis, was launched in 1982. Serological confirmation of all suspected cases of mumps and rubella has been required since 1987. Despite intensive surveillance, no persistent sequelae or deaths attributable to vaccination have been detected. Indigenous mumps and rubella were eliminated in 1996, but 4 imported cases of mumps and 2 of rubella occurred from 1997 to 1999. Lack of secondary cases indicates sufficient immunity in the community. Compared with an epidemic year, up to thousands of cases of mumps meningoencephalitis and orchitis and around 50 cases of congenital rubella syndrome are now avoided annually. A 2-dose vaccine regimen in children during the last 17 years (1983-1999) has interrupted circulation of the target viruses entirely. Finland is the first country documented to be free of indigenous mumps and rubella (measles was eliminated in 1996). Despite the ongoing possibility of imported disease, major outbreaks probably can be avoided by maintaining high vaccination coverage and the 2-dose policy. JAMA. 2000;284:2643-2647.
Insights
Finland
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Finland implemented a national 2-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination program in 1982.
- Mandatory serological confirmation of suspected mumps and rubella cases was established in 1987.
- No vaccine-related deaths or sequelae have been reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a 2-dose MMR vaccination program on mumps and rubella elimination in Finland.
- To assess the long-term effectiveness of the vaccination strategy in preventing indigenous disease and outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national vaccination coverage data from 1982 to 1999.
- Surveillance of mumps and rubella cases, including imported and indigenous infections.
- Monitoring for vaccine-related adverse events.
Main Results:
- Indigenous mumps and rubella were eliminated by 1996.
- High community immunity prevented secondary spread from imported cases (1997-1999).
- Annual prevention of thousands of mumps complications and congenital rubella syndrome cases.
Conclusions:
- A 2-dose MMR vaccination policy effectively eliminated indigenous mumps and rubella in Finland.
- Sustained high vaccination coverage is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
- Finland serves as a model for successful vaccine-preventable disease eradication.
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