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Optimal age for vaccinating Nigerian children against measles. II. Seroconversion to measles vaccine in different age
Insights
Measles vaccination at six months shows low seroconversion rates in infants. The study recommends measles immunization for children in Lagos starting at eight to nine months for better immune response.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Measles remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Early childhood immunization is crucial for preventing infectious diseases.
- Understanding optimal timing for measles vaccination is vital for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the seroconversion rates of measles vaccine in infants aged five to nine months.
- To determine the impact of infant age on measles antibody development post-vaccination.
- To inform recommendations for the optimal age of measles immunization in Lagos.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 98 infants aged five to nine months received the measles vaccine.
- Blood samples were collected pre-vaccination and six to eight weeks post-vaccination.
- Haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibodies to measles virus were measured to assess immune response.
Main Results:
- Infants under seven months exhibited significantly lower seroconversion rates compared to those older than seven months (p < 0.05).
- While some infants vaccinated at six months seroconverted, the overall proportion was insufficient to support widespread immunization at this age.
- A higher proportion of infants aged eight to nine months achieved protective antibody levels.
Conclusions:
- Current measles vaccination schedules may need age-specific adjustments for optimal efficacy.
- Immunizing infants in Lagos from eight to nine months of age is proposed for improved seroconversion.
- Further research may explore factors influencing seroconversion rates in younger infants.
Abstract:
Ninety-eight children between five and nine months were given measles vaccine. Bloodsamples were taken before and again six to eight weeks after immunization and tested for haemagglutination inhibition antibodies to measles virus. It was found that the sero-conversion rate was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in infants under seven months than over this age. The results suggest that although some immunized at six months of age show seroconversion, the proportion is too small to justify extensive immunization at this age. It is proposed that children in Lagos should be immunized from the age of eight to nine months.