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Measles immunization in Saudi Arabia: the need for change
M K Khalil1, Y Y Al-Mazrou, M Al-Jeffri
1Medical Education and Research Centre, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Saudi Arabia transitioned to a two-dose measles vaccine schedule using the Edmonston-Zagreb vaccine, enhancing immunization coverage. A recent measles-mumps-rubella school campaign further supported these public health efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Measles remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Saudi Arabia previously utilized a single-dose measles immunization schedule.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the evolution of Saudi Arabia's measles immunization program.
- To detail the shift from a single-dose to a double-dose vaccine schedule.
- To report on a recent measles-mumps-rubella school-based vaccination campaign.
Main Methods:
- Review of national immunization program data.
- Description of vaccine schedule changes.
- Overview of the measles-mumps-rubella school campaign implementation.
Main Results:
- Transition from the single-dose Schwartz vaccine to the double-dose Edmonston-Zagreb vaccine.
- Implementation of a comprehensive measles-mumps-rubella school campaign.
Conclusions:
- The adoption of a double-dose measles vaccine schedule is a key public health strategy.
- The measles-mumps-rubella campaign aimed to further bolster population immunity.
- Programmatic changes reflect a commitment to measles eradication efforts.