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Assessment of susceptibility to measles and rubella

S R Preblud, F Gross, N A Halsey

    JAMA
    |February 26, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    A study of US Merchant Marine Academy cadets found only 4% were susceptible to measles and rubella. Combined measles and rubella vaccination strategies are more cost-effective for adolescents and young adults.

    Area of Science:

    • Public Health
    • Vaccinology
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Measles and rubella pose risks to adolescents and young adults.
    • Accurate histories of prior infection and vaccination are crucial for effective public health strategies.
    • Assessing susceptibility in specific populations like cadets is important for targeted interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine measles and rubella susceptibility rates among US Merchant Marine Academy cadets.
    • To compare the accuracy of cadet and parental recall of vaccination and infection history.
    • To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different vaccination strategies for susceptible young adults.

    Main Methods:

    • Serological testing and questionnaire-based study involving 755 cadets and their parents.
    • Analysis of three vaccination strategies: universal vaccination, serological screening and vaccination, and vaccination based on documented history.
    • Cost-effectiveness analysis of the proposed vaccination strategies.

    Main Results:

    • Approximately 4% of cadets exhibited susceptibility to measles and rubella.
    • Combined measles and rubella vaccination programs are more cost-effective than single-disease programs.
    • Cost savings of different strategies depend on the availability of vaccination records and the proportion of susceptible individuals.

    Conclusions:

    • A small but significant proportion of cadets remain susceptible to measles and rubella.
    • Combined measles-rubella vaccination is a cost-effective approach for adolescents and young adults.
    • Vaccination strategies should balance cost savings with the proportion of susceptible individuals protected.

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