وضعيت ايمني كودكان مدارس شهرستان زاهدان در برابر بيماري سرخك : آيا تجويز واكسن يادآور در سن 46 سالگي ضروري است ؟

STUDY OF THE IMMUNOLOGICAL STATUS OF SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN IN ZAHEDAN REGARDING MEASLES; IS ADMINISTRATION OF A BOOSTER DOSEOF MEASLES VACCINE IN 4-6 YEAR OLDS NECESSARY?

Measles is an important childhood disease and is very contagious. Approximately 90% of susceptible family contacts acquire the disease. Measles has been reported in vaccinated school aged children. Since 1976, yearly epidemic of measles has been reported in this age group in Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran.The aim of this study was to determine the level of measles antibodies in students of Zahedan. This study was a cross -sectional survey in a time period of 6 months(Oct to June 2000) in Zahedan schools.A total of 349 cases were enrolled in this study.Titer of antibody against measles was measured using hemagglutination inhibition method (HI).These studies revealed that 78.6% (274 cases) were immune to measles while 21.4% of the total were susceptible to the disease.We concluded that for correction of immunity defect in this population, we need to have another immunization program for 4-6 year olds.