Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay
Published on: February 10, 2022
[The German National Verification Committee for Measles and Rubella Elimination]
1Fachgebiet Impfprävention, Robert Koch-Institut, DGZ-Ring 1, 13086, Berlin, Deutschland. matysiak-kloseD@rki.de
Background:
Since 1984, the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region has pursued the goal of eliminating measles. In 2005, it was decided to also stop the endemic transmission of rubellavirus, thereby eliminating congenital rubella syndrome. Both infections are to be eliminated by 2015. To document the progress and verify the elimination at country level, national verification committees should be established in WHO EU memberstates.
Procedure:
In December 2012, the German Ministry of Health appointed the German National Verification Committee for Measles and Rubella Elimination. The commission meets at least twice a year to compile and analyze data on the epidemiology of measles and rubella in Germany and on the vaccination coverage/ immunity of the German population against these infections to assess progress in the elimination goals. Furthermore, the commission indicates whether the available data are sufficient or contain inconsistencies, evaluates the success of key strategies implemented, and advises on activities related to the verification of the elimination process in the country. A scientific report on the commission's findings is to be submitted annually to the WHO regional office.
Future Prospects:
Germany is committed to the aim of eliminating measles and rubella. Thus, every possible effort should be made to reach this goal by the responsible players in the German immunization system. The commission - as an independent group of experts - will critically accompany and evaluate this process.
Insights
Germany is working towards measles and rubella elimination, establishing a national committee to track progress and ensure vaccination coverage. This expert group critically evaluates strategies for disease eradication.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Vaccination Programs
Background:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) European Region aims to eliminate measles and rubella by 2015.
- Elimination efforts include stopping endemic transmission of rubellavirus to prevent congenital rubella syndrome.
- National verification committees are crucial for documenting progress and verifying elimination at the country level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and outline the functions of the German National Verification Committee for Measles and Rubella Elimination.
- To assess Germany's progress towards measles and rubella elimination goals.
- To provide an independent evaluation of the elimination process and advise on necessary activities.
Main Methods:
- The German National Verification Committee was appointed in December 2012.
- The committee convenes biannually to analyze epidemiological data and vaccination coverage for measles and rubella in Germany.
- Evaluation includes data sufficiency, strategy success, and advisory roles in the verification process.
Main Results:
- The committee compiles and analyzes data on measles and rubella epidemiology and population immunity.
- It assesses progress towards elimination goals and identifies data sufficiency or inconsistencies.
- The committee evaluates implemented strategies and advises on verification activities.
Conclusions:
- Germany is committed to the elimination of measles and rubella.
- All stakeholders in the German immunization system must make concerted efforts to achieve these goals.
- The independent expert commission will critically monitor and assess the ongoing elimination process.
