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Optimal age for measles vaccination.
1Department of Paediatrics, Armed Force Medical College, Pune.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|September 11, 2002
Summary
Maternal measles antibodies wane early, before six months. Measles vaccination at six months shows low seroconversion, necessitating a booster dose at 15 months for sustained immunity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Maternal antibodies wane significantly before 6 months of age.
- Early childhood antibody levels are crucial for vaccine efficacy.
- Understanding antibody dynamics informs vaccination schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess anti-measles antibody levels (IgG and IgM) in children aged 6-12 months before and after measles vaccination.
- To evaluate seroconversion rates following the Schwarz measles vaccine strain.
- To determine the optimal timing for measles vaccination and potential booster doses.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique used to measure IgG and IgM antibodies.
- Two groups of 75 sex-matched children were studied: 6-9 months (Group I) and >9-12 months (Group II).
- Antibody levels were measured pre-vaccination and at 4 weeks and 6 months post-vaccination.
Main Results:
- Pre-vaccination IgG antibodies were present in 66% of Group I and 0% of Group II, indicating early waning of maternal immunity.
- Anti-measles IgM antibodies increased post-vaccination and decreased by 6 months in both groups.
- Significant increases in anti-measles IgG antibodies were observed in both groups post-vaccination, with a higher increase noted in the older Group II.
- Seroconversion rates at 6 months post-vaccination were low in the 6-month-old group.
Conclusions:
- Measles antibody protection wanes early in infancy.
- Vaccination at 6 months yields suboptimal seroconversion.
- A booster dose of measles vaccine at 15 months is recommended to ensure adequate and sustained protection.