Measles control in Australia: report of the Measles Control in Australia Workshop, 5 November 1997

Abstract

Convened by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, PO Box 3515, Parramatta NSW 2124. The proceedings of the Measles Control in Australia Workshop held on 5 November 1998 are presented in this report. Prompted by the possibility of a global elimination campaign in the near future the Workshop considered the factors involved in elimination of measles from Australia. Epidemiology, surveillance, laboratory diagnosis methods, mathematical modelling, and the cost and logistics were all addressed. Mass vaccination for all 2-18 year olds, and a routine 2-dose regimen with scheduled doses at 12 months and school entry were recommended. Intensified surveillance, based on a sensitive case definition and laboratory confirmation (measles specific IgM) of suspected cases was identified as a crucial component of the campaign. The continuation of high vaccination coverage for each of the two doses would be essential to maintain elimination once established. Commun Dis Intell 1998;22:33-36.