"Just one shot" is not enough--measles control and eradication.

Abstract

The epidemiology of measles in Australia has changed in the last decade due to control of the disease by increased immunization rates. Elimination of endemic measles is possible, but has still to be attempted. A partially immunized population results in disease in an older population, with the possibility of contracting measles in the childbearing years. For elimination of measles to occur, a second dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine should be introduced. Changes in the immunization protocol would need to be monitored with reliable population-based data on seroconversion rates and disease incidence. Reliable documentation of immunization is a prerequisite for any legislative initiative in the field of immunization. In order to maximize the impact of immunization programmes, the social and cultural contexts within which immunization occurs should receive greater consideration.