Seroprevalence of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies-United States, 2017-March 2020.

BACKGROUND

The most recent assessment of antibodies against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster viruses (MeV, MuV, RuV, VZV) in the United States was conducted in 2009-2010. Regular assessments are essential to measure the impact of immunization programs, identify immunity gaps, and inform vaccination strategies. We report updated estimates of national seroprevalence.

METHODS

We used a CDC-developed immunoglobulin G multiplex bead assay to quantitatively detect antibodies against MeV, MuV, RuV, and VZV among participants aged 6-59 years in the 2017-March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We estimated seroprevalence overall and by sociodemographic characteristics and assessed independent predictors of seropositivity using logistic regression models with weighted procedures for complex survey design.

RESULTS

Overall seroprevalence was 95.2% (95% CI, 94.0%-96.3%) against MeV, 87.8% (95% CI, 86.5%-89.2%) against MuV, 95.6% (95% CI, 94.5%-96.5%) against RuV, and 97.2% (95% CI, 96.4%-98.0%) against VZV, and remained high across advancing age groups. Younger age and non-Hispanic Black race and ethnicity were independent predictors for MeV, MuV, and RuV seropositivity; sex, birthplace, and health insurance status were independent predictors for seropositivity for at least one of the viruses.

CONCLUSIONS

Nationally, seroprevalence for MeV, MuV, RuV, and VZV antibodies remains high among persons aged 6-59 years and our findings indicate robust antibody responses are maintained decades after vaccination or natural infection. Maintaining high population immunity through vaccination is critical to prevent cases and outbreaks of all four vaccine-preventable diseases.