Evaluation of the effectiveness of routine measles vaccination: case-control study
Kotb, M.M.; Khella, A.K.; Allam, M.F.
Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association 74(1-2): 59-68
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0013-2446 PMID: 17216952 Document Number: 499314
A retrospective case-control study was conducted in two primary schools located in eastern region of Cairo to evaluate the protective value of routine measles vaccination. A total of 230 children who had a previous measles illness were identified over 3 months period. Each case was matched to two controls based on age and sex. Vaccination status of the study children was ascertained through reviewing vaccination certificates The overall measles vaccine effectiveness was estimated at 53% (95% CI 71%-26%) There was an association between age of measles vaccination and vaccine effectiveness (VE) Primary vaccination failure due to young age of measles vaccination is the likely explanation of the low measles vaccine effectiveness. Adoption of two-dose measles vaccination policy with the second dose being given at older age needs to be considered to correct the problem of vaccine failure.