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A measles outbreak at a college with a prematriculation immunization requirement
B S Hersh1, L E Markowitz, R E Hoffman
1Division of HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
American Journal of Public Health
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Measles outbreaks can occur in highly vaccinated college students. Vaccination at 12-14 months, compared to 15 months or older, increased measles risk, highlighting the need for updated immunization strategies.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- A measles outbreak occurred in 1988 at a Colorado college with over 98% of students documented as adequately immune.
- The outbreak happened despite an existing immunization requirement in place since 1986.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate risk factors associated with measles vaccine failure.
- To analyze measles transmission dynamics within a highly vaccinated college population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted among college students residing in campus dormitories.
- Student health service vaccination records were utilized to examine measles immunity and vaccination history.
Main Results:
- Students in dormitories had a 3.0 times higher risk of measles compared to off-campus students.
- Vaccination at 12-14 months of age was associated with a 3.1 times higher risk of measles compared to vaccination at 15 months or older.
- Measles vaccine effectiveness was 94% for those vaccinated at 15 months or older.
Conclusions:
- Measles outbreaks are possible even in highly vaccinated college populations.
- Implementing a two-dose measles vaccination requirement for college entrants is recommended to mitigate outbreaks.
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