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Measles in the 1980s
The Medical Journal of Australia
|November 12, 1983
Summary
Measles outbreaks occurred despite widespread vaccination, with a significant percentage of cases in immunized children. Vaccine failure is partly due to antibodies from mothers interfering with the live measles vaccine.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Measles outbreaks persist in some regions despite long-standing measles immunization programs.
- In 1981, New South Wales experienced significant measles cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, prompting an investigation into vaccine effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of "vaccine failure" in measles cases despite immunization.
- To identify factors contributing to measles cases in previously vaccinated individuals.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted to determine the immunization status of children diagnosed with measles.
- Analysis of vaccine batches and immunity duration was performed.
Main Results:
- 22.5% of measles cases seen by general practitioners and 10.3% of hospitalized cases were in previously immunized children.
- No evidence of waning immunity or specific faulty vaccine batches was found.
- Failure of seroconversion, potentially due to transplacentally acquired antibodies interfering with the live measles vaccine in infants, was identified as a contributing factor.
Conclusions:
- Vaccine failure in measles immunization programs is a complex issue, partly explained by immunological interference in infants.
- As vaccination coverage increases, a higher proportion of measles cases will occur in vaccinated individuals.
- Measures to improve measles immunization compliance are supported to reduce overall disease burden.