Supplementary immunization activities to achieve measles elimination: experience of the European Region.

BACKGROUND

Supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) using measles-containing vaccine (MCV) have had a substantial impact on reducing mortality associated with measles worldwide.

METHODS

To assess impact of SIAs on measles incidence in the World Health Organization European Region and their role at the final stages of measles elimination efforts in Europe, we reviewed information on SIAs, measles surveillance, and routine vaccination coverage during 2000-2009.

RESULTS

During 2000-2009, >57 million persons received MCV through SIAs in 16 countries. The Region primarily focused on catch-up campaigns with wider target age groups than in other regions and subsequently relied on routine vaccination rather than periodic follow-up SIAs for the second MCV dose. In addition, the concept of SIAs has been expanded from short-term (<30 days) mass campaigns implemented in other regions to incorporate vaccination efforts over longer periods and outbreak response vaccination. In 2009, 14 of 16 countries that conducted SIAs reported no measles cases or <1 case per 1,000,000 population, reflecting the post-SIA decrease in incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

SIAs have made a substantial contribution to the success of measles elimination efforts and will likely remain an important strategy for interrupting measles virus transmission in the European Region, although specific approaches will vary by country.