Related Experiment Videos
Optimum age for measles immunization in Romania
Insights
Maternal measles antibodies disappear by 7 months, supporting 9-month measles vaccination. Studies show no difference in antibody response or persistence regardless of vaccination age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal antibodies wane, impacting infant protection against measles.
- Optimal timing for measles vaccination is crucial for effective immunization programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of initiating measles vaccination at 9 months of age.
- To assess maternal antibody persistence and vaccine response in infants.
Main Methods:
- Serological survey conducted from 1979 to 1985.
- Investigated maternal antibody persistence in 188 infants (1-8 months).
- Compared antibody response and antibody persistence in infants vaccinated at different ages.
Main Results:
- Maternal measles antibodies were undetectable after 7 months of age.
- No significant difference in antibody response between infants vaccinated at 9-11 months versus those vaccinated after 12 months.
- No significant difference in vaccine-induced antibody persistence (1-4 years post-vaccination) based on vaccination age.
Conclusions:
- Initiating measles vaccination at 9 months is a satisfactory age.
- Study supports the recommendation for early measles immunization in Romania.
Abstract:
From 1979 to 1985 a serological survey was carried out to evaluate the opportunity to start measles vaccination at the age of 9 months. The following aspects were investigated: the persistence of maternal measles antibodies in 188 infants aged 1-8 months: such antibodies could not be detected over 7 months of age; the antibody response to measles vaccination in 181 infants vaccinated at the age of 9-11 months versus 291 children vaccinated when aged more than 12 months: no significant differences were found between the two groups; the age-specific persistence of vaccine-induced hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies during the 1-4 years following vaccination: no significant difference was found in terms of the children's age upon vaccination. The results lend support to the recommendation to consider 9 months as a satisfactory age to initiate measles immunization in Romania.