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Measles and mumps immunization: benefit versus risk factors

S Krugman

    Developments in Biological Standardization
    |January 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Measles and mumps were common childhood illnesses before vaccines. Evaluating immunization benefits requires understanding the risks associated with natural infection and its long-term consequences.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Immunology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Measles and mumps are highly prevalent infectious diseases globally.
    • In the prevaccine era, over 90% of the population contracted measles, and 90% contracted mumps before age 20.
    • These infections were considered inevitable childhood illnesses.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To provide a comprehensive assessment of measles and mumps.
    • To evaluate the benefits and risks of immunization strategies.
    • To consider the consequences of natural measles and mumps infections in the context of vaccination.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of historical disease prevalence.
    • Analysis of serologic evidence of past infections.
    • Comparative assessment of natural infection outcomes versus vaccine-induced immunity.

    Main Results:

    • High seroprevalence of measles (98% in young adults) and mumps (90% by age 20) documented in the prevaccine era.
    • Natural measles and mumps infections were nearly universal childhood experiences.
    • The historical impact of these diseases underscores the importance of vaccination.

    Conclusions:

    • Immunization programs aim to prevent widespread measles and mumps.
    • A thorough risk-benefit analysis of vaccines must account for the significant morbidity of natural infections.
    • Understanding the consequences of prevaccine-era infections is crucial for current public health policy.
    Keywords:
    AmericasDelivery Of Health CareDeveloped CountriesDeveloping CountriesDiseasesHealthHealth ServicesImmunizationIncidenceMeasles--prevention and controlMeasurementMedicineNorth AmericaNorthern AmericaPreventive MedicinePrimary Health CareResearch MethodologyUnited StatesVaccinationViral Diseases

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