Historical trends in mortality from "older" vaccine-preventable diseases, Colombia: implications for elimination and control.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the trends in mortality from eight vaccine-preventable diseases in Colombia in the last 40 years and their relationship with vaccination coverage.

STUDY

DESIGN

It is a population-based descriptive study.

METHODS

The frequencies of deaths by decade, disease, sex, and the specific mortality rates by age group were calculated. Using a negative binomial regression model, the 10-year changes in mortality and their relationship with vaccination coverage were determined.

RESULTS

The number of deaths and the adjusted rates decreased since 1989 in all diseases (incidence rate ratio <1 when compared with the 1979-1988 decade). Vaccination coverage below 90% is associated with an increase in mortality from diphtheria, measles, mumps, neonatal tetanus, and pertussis.

CONCLUSION

Historical changes in mortality support the benefits of vaccination, but new efforts are required to sustain the elimination of diseases.