The Australian Measles Control Campaign , 1998 V

The 1998 Australian Measles Control Campaign had as its aim improved immunization coverage among children aged 1–12 years and, in the longer term, prevention of measles epidemics. The campaign included mass school-based measles–mumps–rubella vaccination of children aged 5–12 years and a catch-up programme for preschool children. More than 1.33 million children aged 5–12 years were vaccinated at school: serological monitoring showed that 94% of such children were protected after the campaign, whereas only 84% had been protected previously. Among preschool children aged 1–3.5 years the corresponding levels of protection were 89% and 82%. During the six months following the campaign there was a marked reduction in the number of measles cases among children in targeted age groups.