Measles--mumps--rubella immunization: the role of the general practitioner in achieving a high uptake

A survey of all general practitioners in Fife conducted prior to the introduction of measles-mumps-rubella immunization on a pilot basis in May 1987 showed that 85% considered mumps worth preventing and 94% believed the rubella programme worth augmenting with universal childhood immunization. Ninety seven per cent considered measles worth preventing and 98% were prepared to recommend measles-mumps-rubella immunization to parents instead of measles vaccine. One year after introducing the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in Fife, 91% of children had been immunized with the combined vaccine or measles vaccine before their second birthday. This compares with the 83% that received measles vaccine before the combined vaccine was introduced. Eighty per cent of preschool children were also immunized with the combined vaccine at school entry in a catch-up exercise. This study demonstrates that there are few major professional barriers to achieving a high uptake of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in this area. The vaccine was introduced nationally on 1 October 1988 and its uptake is likely to exceed the current unsatisfactory level achieved with measles vaccine. However, this outcome will largely depend on the commitment of doctors to the programme.