Is Colombia reaching the goals on infant immunization coverage? A quantitative survey from 80 municipalities

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the coverage of the Colombian Expanded Program on Immunization among children less than 6 years old, to evaluate the timeliness of immunization, to assess the coverage of newly introduced vaccines, and to identify factors associated with lack of immunization.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in 80 municipalities of Colombia, using a two-stage cluster random sampling. We attempted to contact all children less than 6 years old living in the sampled blocks, and asked their caregivers to provide immunization record cards. We also collected basic sociodemographic information.ResultsWe reached 81% of the attempted household contacts, identifying 18,232 children; of them, 14,805 (83%) had an immunization record card. Coverage for traditional vaccines was above 90%: BCG (tuberculosis) 95.7% (95%CI: 95.1–96.4), pentavalent vaccine 93.3% (92.4–94.3), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) initial dose 94.5% (93.5–95.6); but it was lower for recently introduced vaccines: rotavirus 80% (77.8–82.1), influenza 48.4% (45.9–50.8). Results for timely vaccination were not equally successful: pentavalent vaccine 44.2% (41.4–47.1), MMR initial dose 71.2% (68.9–73.4). Mother’s education was significantly associated with higher immunization odds. Older age, a greater number of siblings, low socioeconomic status, and not having health insurance were significantly associated with lower immunization odds. There was significant heterogeneity in immunization rates by municipality across the country.ConclusionsAlthough absolute immunization coverage for traditional vaccines met the goal of 90% for the 80 municipalities combined, disparities in coverage across municipalities, delayed immunization, and decline of coverage with age, are common problems in Colombia that may result in reduced protection. Newly introduced vaccines require additional efforts to reach the goal. These results highlight the association of health inequities with low immunization coverage and delayed immunization. Identification of vulnerable populations and their missed opportunities for vaccination may help to improve the reach of immunization programs.     

Evaluation of vaccination programs through serological studies and distributed vaccines

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare vaccination coverage in schoolchildren for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) triple vaccines, and the poliomyelitis vaccine based on: a) vaccines distributed to vaccination centers; b) reported vaccination history, and c) serological analysis of antibodies. METHODS: Vaccination coverage was calculated on the basis of vaccination history collected by questionnaire, and by serological analysis of antibodies against measles for the MMR vaccine and against tetanus for the DTP vaccine in a representative sample of schoolchildren in 2001. The vaccination coverage from vaccination registries was obtained by dividing the number of individuals who could have completed their vaccinations by the target population. The concordance between the vaccination history and serological analysis was evaluated using the kappa test. RESULTS: The vaccination coverage obtained by questionnaire in schoolchildren aged 6-8 and 9-11 years was 85.5 and 87.6% for the DTP vaccine, 89.9 and 89.6% for the MMR vaccine, and 90.4 and 89.4% for the poliomyelitis vaccine, respectively, while the vaccination coverage obtained by serological analysis was 100 and 99.6% for the DTP vaccine and 85.5 and 93.3% for the MMR vaccine, respectively. The vaccination coverages obtained from distributed vaccines were significantly higher: 93.5 and 100% for the DTP vaccine, 96.3 and 98.8% for the MMR vaccine and 100% for the poliomyelitis vaccine. A low concordance was obtained between the vaccination history and serological analysis of antibodies (kappa < 0.2). CONCLUSION: Planning and evaluation of vaccination programs should be based on vaccination coverages obtained from serological analysis of antibodies in representative samples of schoolchildren.     

The risk of aseptic meningitis associated with the Leningrad-Zagreb mumps vaccine strain following mass vaccination with measles-mumps-rubella vaccine,Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil, 1997

BACKGROUND: Few data are available on the risk of aseptic meningitis following vaccination with the Leningrad-Zagreb (L-Z) strain of mumps vaccine. In 1997 the mumps vaccine was introduced into the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil through mass vaccination with mumps-measles-rubella (MMR), targeting children aged 1-11 years. Five municipalities used exclusively MMR vaccine containing the L-Z strain of mumps. An outbreak of aseptic meningitis was observed shortly after the mass campaign. METHODS: To estimate the risk of aseptic meningitis associated with this strain, we analysed vaccination and meningitis case surveillance data from the selected municipalities. A case of vaccine-associated aseptic meningitis was defined as one with a pleocytosis of 10-1,500 leukocytes/ml and occurring within 15-35 days after vaccine receipt. RESULTS: We estimated a risk of 2.9 cases per 10,000 doses of L-Z administered, equivalent to 1 case per 3,390 doses administered. The overall risk of aseptic meningitis following the campaign was increased 12.2-fold (95% CI: 6.0-24.7) compared with the same period in 1995-1996. Following the mass campaign, the incidence of mumps declined 93% during 1998-2000. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination with the L-Z strain of mumps vaccine as part of a mass campaign was associated with a significantly increased risk of aseptic meningitis. Decisions about type of mumps vaccine and mumps vaccination strategies must consider vaccine safety issues in addition to other criteria.     

Évolution de la couverture vaccinale de l’année scolaire 2003–2004 à 2007–2008 pour les enfants de cinq à six ans à Genève

Objective

The authors had for aim to study the evolution of vaccination coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) in 5 to 6-year-old children in Geneva, from school year 2003–2004 to 2006–2007.

Design

The data was collected from vaccination cards of 17,184 children attending public schools in the Geneva canton.

Results

The average vaccination coverage over the study period was 93.4% for diphtheria, 93.5% for tetanus, 92.5% for pertussis, and 92.4% for poliomyelitis. For MMR and Hib, the coverage was 80.6, 78.4, 79.1 and 81.2% respectively. Between 2003 and 2007, an increase of coverage was observed for all vaccines. It was especially observed for MMR and Hib vaccines, even though the coverage remained below 90%.

Conclusion

In the Geneva canton, epidemiological surveillance of vaccination coverage of 5 to 6-year-old children can be achieved through systematic data analysis of children's vaccination cards. All commonly used vaccines reached the recommended coverage rates, except for MMR and Hib, even though their coverage had significantly increased.     

Antibody persistence in children aged 6–7 years one year following booster immunization with two MMR vaccines applied by aerosol or by injection

ImportanceIn a previous study on booster vaccination, we reported that two aerosolized MMR vaccines were as safe and immunogenic as injectable vaccines containing the same antigens. We now present results of antibody persistence one year after immunization.ObjectiveTo assess the antibody persistence for measles, mumps, and rubella one year following booster immunization.MethodsWe performed clinical and serological follow-up of participants in a previous study of Mexican children aged 6–7 years, in which participants were randomized to four groups receiving, by aerosolized or by injection, the MMR SII vaccine (Serum Institute of India), or the MMR II (Merck Sharp & Dhome). We evaluated the antibody persistence by PRN test for measles and by ELISA for rubella and mumps. The occurrence of clinical events was evaluated via periodic visits of a nurse team to children’s schools and homes.ResultsOf the 260 initial participants, 241 completed one-year follow-up. There were only statistically significant differences in baseline seropositivity for mumps. One year after immunization, seropositivity in all groups was 100% for measles and rubella. The seropositivity rank for mumps was from 90.3% for the injected vaccine MMR II to 96.6% for vaccine MMR SII applied by aerosol; these differences were not statistically significant. With exception of the aerosolized vaccine MMR SII for the geometric mean titer (GMT) for measles, all study groups presented declination of GMT for the three viruses. The difference between the aerosolized vaccines MMR SII and MMR RII was statistically significant for mumps antibodies. Only mild clinical events were identified.ConclusionUnder conditions of no endemic transmission for measles and rubella, and of low circulation of mumps virus, school-aged children remained seropositive to the three viruses one year following booster immunization.The study was registered under CMN 2010-005 number at COFEPRIS (National Regulatory Authority).     

Vaccination coverage among children enrolled in Head Start programs or day care facilities or entering school.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: Undervaccinated children enrolled in day care centers and schools are vulnerable to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. A Healthy People 2000 objective is to increase to > or = 95% vaccination coverage among children attending licensed day care facilities and kindergarten through postsecondary school (objective 20.11). REPORTING PERIOD COVERED: September 1997-June 1998. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: CDC's National Immunization Program administers grants to support 64 vaccination programs. These programs are in all 50 states, eight territories or jurisdictions (American Samoa, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), five cities (Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, New York City, and Philadelphia), and the District of Columbia. Grant guidelines require annual school vaccination surveys and biennial surveys of Head Start programs and licensed day care facilities. This system constitutes the only source of nationally representative vaccination coverage estimates for these populations. RESULTS: Head Start Programs: Of the 64 reporting areas, 33 (51.6%) submitted coverage levels for children enrolled in Head Start programs. Of these, all 33 programs reported coverage levels for diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine (DTP), diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DT), or tetanus toxoids (Td), poliovirus vaccine, and measles vaccine; and 32 reported coverage levels for mumps and rubella vaccines. Four programs reported coverage levels for the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR). The mean vaccination coverage levels for the 1997-98 school year among the reporting vaccination programs were 97.8% for poliovirus vaccine (range: 80.0%-100.0%), 97.0% for DTP/DT/Td (range: 87.7%-100.0%), 93.3% for measles vaccine (range: 91.4%-100.0%), and 93.2% for mumps and rubella vaccines (range: 91.4%-100.0%). Licensed Day Care Facilities: Of the 63 reporting areas with licensed day care facilities, 38 (60.3%) submitted coverage levels for enrolled children. Of these, all 38 programs reported coverage levels for poliovirus vaccine and DTP/DT/Td, 37 reported coverage levels for measles vaccine, and 36 reported coverage levels for mumps and rubella vaccines. Four programs reported coverage levels for the combined MMR. The mean vaccination coverage levels among the reporting areas were 95.8% for poliovirus vaccine (range: 85.1%-99.8%), 95.7% for DTP/DT/Td (range: 77.6%-99.9%), 89.1% for measles vaccine (range: 78.0%-99.9%), and 89.1% for mumps and rubella vaccines (range: 78.0%-99.9%). Kindergarten/First Grade: Of the 64 reporting areas, 43 (67.2%) submitted coverage levels for children enrolled in kindergarten and first grade. Of these 43 programs, 42 reported coverage levels for poliovirus vaccine and DTP/DT/Td, and 43 reported coverage levels for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. Four of the 43 programs reported coverage levels for the combined MMR. The mean vaccination coverage levels among the reporting areas were 96.7% for poliovirus vaccine (range: 82.8%-99.9%), 96.7% for DTP/DT/Td (range: 82.8%-99.8%), 96.0% for measles vaccine (range: 82.8%-99.9%), and 96.5% for mumps and rubella vaccines (range: 82.8%-99.9%). INTERPRETATION: High levels of vaccination coverage among children entering school most likely result from the successful implementation of state-specific school vaccination laws, which have applied to children entering school in all states and the District of Columbia since at least 1990. All states, territories, and the District of Columbia have additional laws that require vaccination of children in licensed day care facilities. However, because a high proportion of states and territories did not submit vaccination coverage reports to CDC, these estimated means may not reflect levels for all children in the United States.     

National, state, and urban area vaccination coverage among children aged 19-35 months--United States, 2005

The National Immunization Survey (NIS) provides vaccination coverage estimates among children aged 19-35 months for each of the 50 states and selected urban areas. Findings from the 2005 NIS include nationwide increases in coverage with >/=3 and >/=4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and continued high levels of coverage for the other recommended vaccines and vaccine series. In addition, no racial/ethnic disparities in coverage estimates were observed in the 4:3:1:3:3:1 vaccine series, the recommended series for children aged 19-35 months that includes DTP/DT/DTaP; poliovirus vaccine; measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR); Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine; hepatitis B vaccine; and varicella vaccine. An important accomplishment indicated by the 2005 NIS data is the achievement of <50% coverage for the full series of PCV (>/=4 doses) and <80% coverage for >/=3 doses within 5 years after being added to the U.S.-recommended childhood immunization schedule in 2000. This occurred despite shortages of this vaccine during 2001-2004, which might have affected accessibility to PCV.     

Response to measles revaccination among toddlers in Saudi Arabia by the use of two different trivalent measles-mumps-rubella vaccines.

This trial confirmed the immunogenicity of a standard dose of measles vaccine Edmonston-Zagreb strain administered at the age of 6 months as evaluated serologically at 12 months of age in 94 healthy children in Saudi Arabia. The residual seropositivity rate for measles was 53.4 and 80.6% as measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and plaque neutralization, respectively, and could be increased to virtually 100% seroprotection after immunization with 1 of 2 measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines (Triviraten Berna or MMR II MSD) at 12 months of age. In both groups, more than 90% of infants showed an immune response to the mumps and rubella vaccine strains at 14 months of age. There was a difference in the geometric mean titres of mumps antibodies in favour of MMR II (P < 0.001). The seroconversion rates for mumps antibodies differed between the 2 vaccines because of the different test systems and/or the different cut-off levels used. The study reconfirmed that for the assessment of Rubini mumps vaccine-induced antibodies the indirect immunofluorescence test is superior to the EIA. The systemic tolerability of both vaccines was excellent. Triviraten Berna is exclusively propagated on human diploid cell cultures and hence free of avian proteins.     

National and state vaccination coverage among children aged 19-35 months--United States, 2010

The National Immunization Survey (NIS) monitors vaccination coverage among children aged 19-35 months using a random-digit-dialed sample of telephone numbers of households to evaluate childhood immunization programs in the United States. This report describes the 2010 NIS coverage estimates for children born during January 2007-July 2009. Nationally, vaccination coverage increased in 2010 compared with 2009 for ≥ 1 dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR), from 90.0% to 91.5%; ≥ 4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), from 80.4% to 83.3%; the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB), from 60.8% to 64.1%; ≥ 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine (HepA), from 46.6% to 49.7%; rotavirus vaccine, from 43.9% to 59.2%; and the full series of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, from 54.8% to 66.8%. Coverage for poliovirus vaccine (93.3%), MMR (91.5%), ≥ 3 doses HepB (91.8%), and varicella vaccine (90.4%) continued to be at or above the national health objective targets of 90% for these vaccines.* The percentage of children who had not received any vaccinations remained low (<1%). For most vaccines, no disparities by racial/ethnic group were observed, with coverage for other racial/ethnic groups in 2010 similar to or higher than coverage among white children. However, disparities by poverty status still exist. Maintaining high vaccination coverage levels is important to reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and prevent a resurgence of these diseases in the United States, particularly in undervaccinated populations.     

Risks of convulsion and aseptic meningitis following measles-mumps-rubella vaccination in the United Kingdom

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines containing the Urabe strain of mumps were withdrawn in the United Kingdom in 1992 following demonstration of an increased risk of aseptic meningitis 15-35 days after vaccination. Following introduction of a replacement MMR vaccine (Priorix; GlaxoSmithKline, London, United Kingdom) in 1998, active surveillance of aseptic meningitis and convulsion was established to evaluate the risk associated with the new vaccine. No laboratory-confirmed cases of mumps meningitis were detected among children aged 12-23 months after administration of 1.6 million doses of Priorix (upper 95% confidence limit of risk: 1:437,000) in England and Wales. The upper 95% confidence limit excluded the risk found for mumps meningitis with Urabe vaccines (1:143,000 doses). No cases of aseptic meningitis were detected among children aged 12-23 months, who had received over 99,000 doses of Priorix (upper 95% confidence limit of risk: 1:27,000), in a regional database of hospital-admitted cases. This compares with an observed risk of 1:12,400 for Urabe vaccines. An elevated relative incidence of convulsion was found in the 6- to 11-day period after receipt of Priorix (relative incidence = 6.26, 95% confidence interval: 3.85, 10.18)-consistent with the known effects of the measles component of MMR vaccine-but not in the 15- to 35-day period (relative incidence = 1.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.88, 2.50) as occurred with Urabe-containing vaccines. This study demonstrates the power of active postmarketing surveillance to identify or exclude events too rare to be detected in prelicensure trials.     

The effectiveness of the mumps component of the MMR vaccine: a case control study

In 1998/1999, an outbreak of mumps occurred among children of a religious community in North East London. A case control study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the mumps component of the MMR vaccine. One hundred and sixty-one cases of mumps were identified and 192 controls were selected. Fifty-one percent of cases and 77% of controls had a history at least one MMR vaccination. The observed effectiveness of any MMR vaccination adjusted for age, sex and general practice was 69% (95% CI: 41-84%). This is consistent with the results of other observational studies of mumps containing vaccines, but lower than the immunogenicity of mumps vaccines reported by clinical trials. This discrepancy is because observational studies tend to underestimate vaccine effectiveness, and because immunogenicity is not necessarily an accurate biological marker of vaccine effectiveness. Two doses of vaccine were more effective (88% (95% CI: 62-96%)) than a single dose (64% (95% CI: 40-78%)). The current two-dose vaccination programme remains the best method for controlling mumps infection in the community.     

国产与进口流行性腮腺炎联合疫苗(MMR)免疫原性与安全性系统评价

目的比较国产与进口含流行性腮腺炎成分的联合疫苗(MMR)接种后的抗体阳转率和副反应发生率,评价二者免疫学效果和安全性的差异,为应对流行性腮腺炎高发病率的情况,甄选安全性强、高效能和经济适用的流行性腮腺炎疫苗提供依据。方法全面收集国内外已发表的研究数据,对国产麻疹风疹腮腺炎联合疫苗(MMR)与进口联合疫苗(MMR)在免疫原性和安全性上进行系统差异性比较。结果经纳入和排除标准筛选,最终提取6篇关于含流行性腮腺炎疫苗成分的国产联合疫苗(MMR)与进口联合疫苗(MMR)免疫原性的文献资料,以接种后腮腺炎抗体阳性率为分析指标,结果显示:国产MMR接种组和进口MMR接种组的抗体阳性率差异无统计学意义[RR=0.99,95%CI(0.96,1.03),P=0.671];入选的5篇文献报告了含腮腺炎疫苗成分的国产MMR组和进口MMR组接种后副反应发生率,研究发现:国产MMR接种组和进口MMR接种组在副反应发生率上差异无统计学意义[RR=1.05,95%CI(0.87,1.27),P=0.620]。结论在选择联合疫苗预防腮腺炎疾病时,国产MMR和进口MMR具有相同的优势,国产MMR在免疫原性和免疫安全性方面和进口疫苗无明显差异。     

Duration of the immune response to MMR vaccine in children of two age-different groups

A combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) was administered to both a group of children aged 10–12 months simultaneously with booster doses of compulsory diphtheriatetanus toxoids and oral poliovirus vaccine and a group of children aged 15–24 months who had previously received booster doses of the compulsory vaccines.Apart from one subject belonging to the second group who was non responder and one from the same group who did not seroconvert against the mumps virus alone, 5 to 6 weeks after MMR vaccine administration we found protective levels of antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella viruses in all children. The follow up of both groups at 3 years did not reveal difference between the two groups. Protective levels of serum antibodies against measles and mumps were found in the two groups, altough a significant decline of rubella antibodies was shown (p < 0.05).Since the immunogenicity of the vaccines in the two groups did not differ, we recommend that the scientific community reconsider the vaccination schedule until now recommended. In our opinion the MMR vaccine should be administered simultaneously with booster doses of diphtheria-tetanus toxoids and oral poliovirus vaccine at 10–12 months of age because this policy improves parents' compliance, markedly reduces community costs and simplifies routine immunization schedule.     

冻干麻疹-腮腺炎-风疹三联活疫苗免疫安全性及免疫学效果观察

目的 观察卫生部北京生物制品研究所研制的麻疹-腮腺炎-风疹（北京MMR）疫苗的免疫学效果。方法 分别选择10-12岁，2-2.5岁和8-12月龄儿童，接种北京MMR（实验疫苗），并与进口MMR疫苗，麻疹疫苗，腮腺炎疫苗和风疹疫苗（对照疫苗）相比较，开展该疫苗的免疫安全性和免疫原性观察研究。结果 在32名2岁以上较大龄儿童接种北京MMR疫苗无副反应发生后，对104名8-12月龄婴儿接种该疫苗，仅有6.7%和1.9%的儿童分别发生一过性发热（中低反应）和皮疹，无其他不良反应发生，北京MMR疫苗免疫接种后，其麻疹，风疹，腮腺炎HI抗体阳转率分别为100%，100%和85.7%;GMT分别为41，320和6.1，分别与对照疫苗相比，差异多无显著性。结论 北京MMR疫苗具有与目前使用的麻疹疫苗，腮腺炎疫苗，风疹疫苗及进口MMR疫苗相同的免疫安全性和免疫原性，且可以作为麻疹的基础免疫和复种疫苗使用。     

Comparison of the effectiveness of two mumps vaccines during an outbreak in Switzerland in 1999 and 2000: a case-cohort study

In two recent nation-wide outbreaks of mumps in Switzerland two-thirds of young children with clinical mumps had a history of primary vaccination. On average, measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage is 80%. Two types of vaccine are commonly used: Jeryl-Lynn and Rubini. The effectiveness of the latter has been questioned in several publications. The authors therefore compared Rubini to Jeryl-Lynn in a case–cohort study. The study included 111 young children with clinical mumps who had been reported to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (SFOPH) by primary care physicians of the Swiss Sentinel Surveillance Network (SSSN) between January 1999 and May 2000. Sentinel physicians also sampled 661 children from the same birth cohort as the cases. While we found no evidence for the effectiveness of the Rubini strain, vaccination with the Jeryl-Lynn strain was 70% effective against clinical mumps. Furthermore, children vaccinated with the Rubini strain attended primary health care more frequently with clinical mumps than those who had received Jeryl-Lynn (odds ratio: 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3, 4.7). Restricting the analysis to laboratory confirmed cases increased the odds ratio to 18.4 (95% CI: 2.5, 811.2). Our study confirms the low effectiveness of the Rubini strain vaccine in the field. This vaccine should therefore be considered inappropriate for the control and elimination of mumps and its use should be discontinued. As other vaccines with comparable quality and safety standards and a substantially higher effectiveness are available the MMR vaccination program in Switzerland will not be compromised if the use of Rubini is no longer recommended.     

中国脊髓灰质炎疫苗使用历史回顾及免疫策略调整建议

在消灭脊髓灰质炎（脊灰）过程中,脊灰疫苗发挥了重要作用。口服脊灰减毒活疫苗（Oral Poliomyelitis Attenuated Live Vaccine,OPV）是一种安全有效的疫苗,中国于20世纪60年代推广使用OPV,常规免疫接种率逐步提高到〉90％。从1990年开始,部分省（自治区、直辖市）开展了OPV补充免疫活动（Supplementary Immunization Activity,SIA）;1993～2000年,开展消灭脊灰的国家免疫日活动,中国所在的世界卫生组织（World Health Organization,WHO）西太平洋区于2000年实现无脊灰的目标,继续在适龄儿童中加强OPV常规免疫和开展SIA。根据WHO制定的（（2013—2018年消灭脊灰终结战略计划》,2015年所有国家要引进至少1剂灭活脊灰病毒疫苗（Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine,IPV）,2016年中期使用二价OPV（I＋Ⅲ型）,2018年停用OPV。为确保OPV成功转换IPV,中国应建立部门间协作机制,加快国产IPV研发生产进程,组织开展OPV和IPV转换的相关研究。     

Advantages and disadvantages of killed and live poliomyelitis vaccines.

Decision-making on the use of poliomyelitis vaccines in the WHO Expanded Immunization Programme, and particularly in the developing nations, needs to be based on an understanding of the epidemiology of poliomyelitis in different parts of the globe. Even with two safe and effective kinds of poliomyelitis vaccine available, poliomyelitis has by no means been eradicated from the world. In developed countries that are considered well-vaccinated, certain sectors of the population may be inadequately protected against risk of infection by indigenous or imported wild polioviruses. In developing nations that are in transition toward an epidemic phase of poliomyelitis, wild polioviruses will continue to be a threat until thorough immunization is established and maintained. Killed-virus poliomyelitis vaccines have proved to be effective in certain countries that have used them exclusively; these are small countries with excellent public health systems, where coverage by the killed vaccine has been wide and frequent. Live vaccines, administered to hundreds of millions of persons during the past decade, have also been remarkably safe and effective. However, in certain warm-climate countries induction of antibodies in a satisfactorily high proportion of vaccinees has been difficult to accomplish. The advantages and disadvantages of each kind of poliomyelitis vaccine need to be weighed with respect to the particular setting in which a vaccine has been or will be used.     

麻疹-流行性腮腺炎-风疹联合减毒活疫苗流行性腮腺炎组份免疫效果观察

目的对麻疹-流行性腮腺炎（流腮）-风疹联合减毒活疫苗（Measles,Mumps and Rubella Combined Atteruated Live Vaccine,MMR）中,流腮组份的免疫效果进行观察评价。方法对接种MMR后,流腮组份免疫学效果进行分析评价,并追踪观察记录2年内受种人群及本地人群中流腮发病情况。结果接种MMR前,流腮抗体几何平均滴度（Geometric Mean Titer,GMT）为1∶6.87,免疫后GMT为1∶26.35,免疫后GMT是免疫前GMT的3.8倍,免疫前、后GMT差异有统计学意义（Z=-6.22,P〈0.001）。免疫前、后流腮抗体阳性率分别为64.63%、95.12%,差异有统计学意义（χ2=23.71,P〈0.001）。免疫前、后流腮抗体阴性者与阳性者GMT和免疫前相比差异均有统计学意义（Z=-4.40,P〈0.001;Z=-4.84,P〈0.001）。免疫前流腮抗体阴性者与阳性者接种MMR后,免疫成功率分别为86.21%、54.72%,差异有统计学意义（χ2=8.266,P=0.004）。对受种人群及本地人群进行为期2年的流腮发病追踪观察,在受种人群中未发现流腮病例报告。结论在3-6岁儿童中接种MMR,对于预防流腮效果良好,产生的保护效果至少能维持2年。     

Mumps in Poland in 2002

In 2002, 39,978 cases of mumps were reported in Poland. The incidence (104.6 per 100,000) was higher then in 2001 (43.3), which corresponds to a periodical increase of mumps incidence occurring in Poland every 3-4 years. This year's peak is much lower than the previous ones, which can be attributed to the growing vaccine coverage. Even though the mumps vaccine was not included into the national immunization program, the coverage in the 3-year old children reached in 2002 35.5%. Approximately 3.5% of cases were hospitalized (1400) and no mumps deaths were reported. Children 5-9 years old constituted the most affected age group (incidence 965.2 per 100,000). In Poland the MMR vaccine was recommended on voluntary basis in place of measles vaccine for children in their 2nd and 7th year of age. Immunization of 2-years old children is mandatory beginning in 2004.     

A randomised single blind trial of a combined mumps measles rubella vaccine to evaluate serological response and reactions in the UK population

Four hundred and twenty children were randomly assigned to receive either mumps measles rubella (MMR) vaccine (207) or measles vaccine (213) in a single blind study, to investigate the reactogenicity and serology of the MMR vaccine. There was no significant difference between the number of children developing symptoms after MMR vaccination to those developing symptoms after measles vaccination. Both vaccines are associated with a rash, temperature and restlessness five to thirteen days after vaccination. The serological response to measles vaccine was similar in both groups with 92-6% seroconverting with MMR, and 96-8% with measles. Seroconvertion against mumps and rubella with the MMR vaccine was 88% and 96% respectively. This study confirms the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine in a UK population.