Changing epidemiology of measles in Turkey: Need for reassessment of measles vaccination policy?

Abstract

Changing epidemiology of measles in Turkey and in Izmir city, since the introduction of measles vaccine was examined in order to evaluate the need for new strategies to control measles infection. After the National Vaccination Campaign in 1985, the rates of incidence and mortality dropped to 4.2/100,000 and 0/million, respectively, in 1987. When the epidemics in 1989 and 1993 were examined it was seen that more measles cases occurred in age groups 5-9 and > 15 years, and most of the cases seen in children in primary and secondary schools were in those previously immunized against measles. Future strategies for control of measles should aim at increasing the coverage rate and introducing a two-dose regimen to reduce vaccine failure.