Measles vaccination coverage in high-incidence areas of the Western Cape, following the mass vaccination campaign
Date
2013-03
Authors
Bernhardt, G. L.
Cameron, N. A.
Willems, B.
Boulle, A.
Coetzee, D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG)
Abstract
Background. Despite significant advances in measles control, large epidemics occurred in many African countries in 2009 - 2011, including
South Africa. South Africa’s control strategy includes mass vaccination campaigns about every 4 years, the last of which was conducted
nationally in April 2010 and coincided with the epidemic.
Aim. A community survey was conducted in the Western Cape to assess measles vaccination coverage attained by routine and campaign
services, in children aged 6 to 59 months at the time of the mass campaign, from high-incidence areas.
Methods. Households were consecutively sampled in high-incidence areas identified using measles epidemic surveillance data. A caregiver
history of campaign vaccination and routine vaccination status from the child’s Road to Health card were collected. Pre- and post-campaign
immunity was estimated by analytical methods.
Results. Of 8 332 households visited, there was no response at 3 435 (41.2%); 95.1% (1 711/1 800) of eligible households participated; and
91.2% (1 448/1 587; 95% confidence interval 86 - 94%) of children received a campaign vaccination. Before the campaign, 33.0% (103/312)
of 9 - 17-month-olds had not received a measles vaccination, and this was reduced to 4.5% (14/312) after the campaign. Of the 1 587
children, 61.5% were estimated to have measles immunity before the campaign, and this increased to 94.0% after the campaign.
Discussion. Routine services had failed to achieve adequate herd immunity in areas with suspected highly mobile populations. Mass
campaigns in such areas in the Western Cape significantly increased coverage. Extra vigilance is required to monitor and sustain adequate
coverage in these areas.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Measles -- Vaccination -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Measles -- Vaccination -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Evaluation
Citation
Bernhardt, G.L. et al. 2013. Measles vaccination coverage in high-incidence areas of the Western Cape, following the mass vaccination campaign. South African Medical Journal, 103(3):181-186, doi:10.7196/SAMJ.6196.