Optimal age for measles vaccination.
Children in the age groups of 6-9 (group I) and >9-12 months (group II, control) 75 in each group, sex-matched were studied for antimeasles antibodies IgG and IgM by ELISA technique, before immunisation with Schwarz strain of measles vaccine. IgG antibodies were found in 66% in group I and none in group II, indicating the waning of maternal antibodies at an early age which come down before 6 months of age. After administration of measles vaccine to both the groups seroconversion was estimated at intervals of 4 weeks and 6 months after vaccination. Antimeasles IgM antibodies increased after vaccination and decreased 6 months after vaccination in both groups. Antimeasles IgG antibodies showed a significant increase in both groups. Increase was high in group II. This shows that anti-IgG antibodies to measles increased with age. The study shows the disappearance of protective level of immunisation at an early age. Seroconversion following vaccination at the age of 6 months is low, and hence a booster dose is recommended at 15 months.
Vidyashankar
C
C
Department of Paediatrics, Armed Force Medical College, Pune.
D000367:Age Factors; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D008458:Measles Vaccine