Jamaica's measles elimination experience

Abstract

Objectives. This article describes the effort to eliminate measles from Jamaica and its impact on measles incidence. Methods. In addition to routine measles vaccination, the Jamaican Ministry of Health implemented a strategy of a 1-time-only catch-up vaccination campaign, conducted in 1991, and periodic follow-up campaigns, the first of which occurred in 1995. Results. Since 1991, despite careful surveillance, no serologically confirmed indigenous cases of measles have occurred in Jamaica. Conclusions. Measles virus circulation has been interrupted in Jamaica. The Jamaican experience provides further evidence that global measles eradication is achievable.