title: Progress toward measles elimination in the People's Republic of China, 2000-2009.
abstract: In 2006, China set a goal of measles elimination by 2012. To describe progress toward this goal, we reviewed relevant policies and strategies and analyzed national data for 2000-2009. In response to implementation of these strategies, including increased routine measles vaccination coverage and province-specific supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), reported measles incidence decreased to a historically low level of 39.5 cases per million in 2009. A synchronized nationwide SIA was scheduled in 2010 to further decrease susceptibility to measles. However, reaching and maintaining measles elimination will require strong political commitment and efforts for strengthening surveillance, increasing 2-dose vaccine coverage to >95%, stricter enforcement of the requirement to check immunization status at school entry, and careful attention to measles susceptibility in those aged ≥15 years.
authors.affiliation: National Immunization Program, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Zhijie
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: An
authors.forename: Lixin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hao
authors.forename: K Lisa
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cairns
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wen
authors.forename: Wenbo
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Xiaofeng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Weizhong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Huiming
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Luo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008458:Measles Vaccine