Measles vaccination

Abstract

France is facing since 2008 a re-emerging measles outbreak affecting a high proportion of adults currently not or not correctly vaccinated. The non application since 30 years of the immunization program on measles mumps and rubella is the cause of this situation, despite the efficacy and the good tolerance of this vaccine has been demonstrated. The present epidemic is expected to go on, as long as the millions of measles susceptible people have not been either affected or vaccinated. A 95 % protection rate is needed to interrupt the circulation of the virus. So, the objective of the French Plan for elimination of measles and congenital rubella is to reach at least a 95 % vaccination coverage for the first dose and 80 % for the second dose. The immunization recommendations should be strictly respected : first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 months and second dose within the second year of life. In this context, catch up immunization of children, adolescents and young adults (up to 30 year) not or not correctly vaccinated is particularly important, as well as the post exposure prophylactic measures, including vaccination.