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Optimum age for measles immunization in Malaysia
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This study in Malaysia found measles infection is common, peaking between 12 months and 5 years. The optimal age for measles immunization was determined to be 11 months for better seroconversion rates.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles infection is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding age-specific prevalence and seroconversion is crucial for effective vaccination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age-specific prevalence of measles infection in Malaysia using serology.
- To assess age-specific seroconversion rates following measles vaccination.
- To identify the optimal age for measles immunization in the Malaysian context.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing was employed to assess measles antibody prevalence.
- Age-specific seroconversion rates post-vaccination were analyzed.
- Data was collected from a study conducted at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Main Results:
- Passively acquired measles antibodies decreased with age until 3-5 months.
- Measles infection prevalence increased sharply from 12 months of age.
- Seroconversion rates after vaccination at 9 months ranged from 94% to 99%, with higher rates observed for vaccination at 11 months or older.
Conclusions:
- Measles infection is prevalent in Malaysia, with natural infection acquisition peaking between 12 months and 5 years.
- Vaccination at 11 months or older yields higher seroconversion rates and antibody titers.
- The optimal age for measles immunization in Malaysia is recommended to be 11 months.
Abstract:
A study was carried out at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to determine the age-specific prevalence of measles infection by serology and the age specific-seroconversion rates following measles vaccination. The results show that the percentage of children with passively acquired measles antibodies decreased with increasing age till 3 to 5 months of age. From 12 months of age, the percentage of positivity increased sharply due probably to natural infection. The geometric mean antibody titre was low at birth, but from 6 months it started to increase. These results indicate that measles infection is common in Malaysia and a small number of children began to acquire natural measles infection from 6 to 8 months of age; however the peak age for the acquisition of measles infection was from 12 months to 5 years of age. Seroconversion rates following vaccination from 9 months of age, ranged from 94% to 99%. However, the rates and the geometric mean titre were higher among those vaccinated at 11 months of age or older compared with those vaccinated at 9 or 10 months of age. Basing on the above results, it was concluded that the optimum age for measles immunization in Malaysia should be 11 months.