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The Australian Measles Control Campaign, 1998
F M Turnbull1, M A Burgess, P B McIntyre
1National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|October 5, 2001
Summary
The 1998 Australian Measles Control Campaign successfully boosted measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage in children. This led to increased protection levels and a significant reduction in measles cases.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization Programs
Background:
- Measles posed a significant public health threat, necessitating interventions to improve population immunity.
- Previous measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage in Australian children was suboptimal, leaving them vulnerable to infection and potential epidemics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the 1998 Australian Measles Control Campaign in increasing MMR vaccination coverage and preventing measles.
- To assess the impact of the campaign on seroprotection levels in targeted pediatric age groups.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a mass school-based MMR vaccination program for children aged 5-12 years.
- A concurrent catch-up vaccination program for preschool children aged 1-3.5 years.
- Serological monitoring to determine pre- and post-campaign protection levels.
Main Results:
- Over 1.33 million children aged 5-12 years received school-based MMR vaccination.
- Post-campaign seroprotection increased from 84% to 94% in school-aged children.
- Seroprotection in preschool children (aged 1-3.5 years) rose from 82% to 89%.
- A notable decrease in measles incidence was observed in targeted age groups within six months post-campaign.
Conclusions:
- The 1998 Australian Measles Control Campaign was highly effective in enhancing MMR vaccination coverage and seroprotection.
- The campaign successfully contributed to the short-term prevention of measles outbreaks in children.
- Mass vaccination strategies, including school-based programs, are crucial for controlling vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.
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