A successful measles campaign as a model for achieving high uptakes of MMR

The introduction of MMR makes it imperative to improve and maintain high vaccine uptakes. Here we describe an increase in measles uptake following two short campaigns at a year's interval, run by geographically attached health visitors in inner London. The computer controlled immunisation system was used to organise and evaluate the campaigns. They were directed at two groups of children; those due vaccination (eligible prompt participants) and those who had failed to attend previously (eligible late participants). Results are given as cumulative percent uptake for the 1984, 1985 and 1986 birth cohorts. The campaign resulted in an increased vaccine uptake, from 78% to 87%, and contributed to earlier vaccination; these effects were sustained. The reasons for the success are discussed, as similar campaigns could be used to achieve high uptakes of MMR.