[Evaluation of coverage under the national plan for measles and rubella vaccination based on a sample of schools]

In order to evaluate the prevalence of immunization against measles and rubella, a survey was performed in children attending randomly selected nursery schools throughout France. School physicians filled in a questionnaire during the visit prior to admission to first grade (5-6 years of age). Parents attend this visit and present their child's immunization card. The survey was carried out in 1979. Prevalence of immunization among surveyed children was 26% for measles and 2% for rubella. These prevalences varied across regions, and according to whether the school was located in an urban or rural area. Sixty-nine per cent of parents were aware of the existence of the vaccine against measles and 12% declared they did not wish their child to receive this vaccine. The main reason for non-immunization was failure of the family physician to suggest the vaccine.