Abstract

TURNBULL, Fiona M. et al. The Australian Measles Control Campaign, 1998. Bull World Health Organ [online]. 2001, vol.79, n.9, pp. 882-888. ISSN 0042-9686.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0042-96862001000900015.

The 1998 Australian Measles Control Campaign had as its aim improved immunization coverage among children aged 1-12 years and, in the longer term, prevention of measles epidemics. The campaign included mass school-based measles-mumps-rubella vaccination of children aged 5-12 years and a catch-up programme for preschool children. More than 1.33 million children aged 5-12 years were vaccinated at school: serological monitoring showed that 94% of such children were protected after the campaign, whereas only 84% had been protected previously. Among preschool children aged 1-3.5 years the corresponding levels of protection were 89% and 82%. During the six months following the campaign there was a marked reduction in the number of measles cases among children in targeted age groups.

Keywords : Measles [prevention and control]; Immunization programs [organization and administration]; Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine [administration and dosage]; Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine [adverse effects]; School health services; Child; Child, Preschool; Evaluation studies; Australia.