Citation
Lessler, Justin; Moss, William J.; Lowther, S. A.; & Cummings, Derek A. T. (2011). Maintaining High Rates of Measles Immunization in Africa. Epidemiology & Infection, 139(7), 1039-1049.Abstract
Supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) are important in achieving high levels of population immunity to measles virus. Using data from a 2006 survey of measles vaccination in Lusaka, Zambia, we developed a model to predict measles immunity following routine vaccination and SIAs, and absent natural infection. Projected population immunity was compared between the current programme and alternatives, including supplementing routine vaccination with a second dose, or SIAs at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year intervals. Current routine vaccination plus frequent SIAs could maintain high levels of population immunity in children aged <5 years, even if each frequent SIA has low coverage (e.g. ≥ 72% for bi-annual 60% coverage SIAs vs. ≥ 69% for quadrennial 95% coverage SIAs). A second dose at 12 months with current coverage could achieve 81% immunity. Circulating measles virus will only increase population immunity. Public health officials should consider frequent SIAs when resources for a two-dose strategy are unavailable.URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0950268810002232Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2011Journal Title
Epidemiology & InfectionAuthor(s)
Lessler, JustinMoss, William J.
Lowther, S. A.
Cummings, Derek A. T.