Background: In 1989-1990, seven major cities (Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and San Diego) experienced measles outbreaks among preschool children.This study examined MCV coverage in these seven cities in order to assess their potential for future measles outbreaks. Methods: Immunization coverage estimates for 1996 through 1998 were calculated for seven cities, a total of 5,193 children,using data from the National Immunization Survey (NIS), a population-based household survey followed by a mailed provider validation study. The NIS,conducted in all 50 states and 28 US cities, yields estimates of vaccine coverage among children 19-35 months of age. Results: There were no statistically significant declines in the percentage of children receiving at least one dose of MCV within any of the seven cities between 1996 and 1998. However, two cities had continuous declines from 1996 through 1998: Chicago from 88.7% (95%CI ± 4.7)to 87.2% (95% CI ± 5.1) to 86.4% (95%CI ± 5.5), and Dallas from 91.6% (95%CI ± 3.9) to 88.5% (95%CI ± 4.6) to 86.5% (95%CI ± 5.0). Conclusions: Three years of data did not provide adequate statistical power to draw specific conclusions about the sigifigance of declining coverage. However, two major cities with declining coverage is concerning and may suggest declining trends, and increasing potential for measles outbreaks. In light of global measles eradication efforts, continual surveillance reporting is necessary to effectively monitor MCV coverage and sound early alarms to identify children most at risk for measles.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the epidemiology of measles outbreaks among preschool children in the United States in 1989-1990 2. Identify the public health importance and consequences of possible declining measles vaccination coverage rates among preschool children in the United States 3. Outline the necessary components of continual surveillance in monitoring measles vaccination coverage rates among preschool children in the United States
Keywords: Immunizations, Children
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Possibly the CDC and/or The National Immunization Program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.