[Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination status of school beginners in Munich]

A cross-sectional study was performed on all of 10029 school-beginners in Munich in 1994 to investigate the vaccination status of measles, mumps and rubella immunisation. The objective of the study was to determine socio-demographic and psychological factors affecting the MMR vaccination rate. Data were received from 81.8% of all 10029 school-beginners. The vaccination rate was 86.1% for measles, 84.5% for mumps and 72.9% for rubella (missing values not included). Low overall vaccination rate was found in not first-born children, children of parents with non-german nationality, in children of parents with a low socio-economic status, in children accompanied by a working parent, and in children accompanied by a smoking parent. Children without any denomination also showed a lower vaccination rate. Girls had a higher vaccination rate for rubella than boys. A higher overall vaccination rate for MMR was associated with parents considering these infections to have a high impact for people's health. Vice versa children of parents considering adverse effects of vaccination against MMR as an important impact on health had significant lower vaccination rate. The results of a multiple logistic regression model showed two factors significantly affecting the MMR vaccination rate: Physician's recommendation and individual attitude towards medicine seem to have the most important influence on decision making for or against vaccination. In conclusion MMR vaccination strategies have to be improved. New ways such as, no vaccination--no school's should be considered for Germany.