Prevalence of serum antibodies against vaccine-preventable diseases in Japanese students and its advisory standard of vaccination

Abstract

Although measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) are vaccine-preventable diseases common in childhood, the incidence of these viral infections has recently increased in the adult Japanese population. For prevention against infections in medical facilities, it is important to assess the immunity against these viruses and to achieve immunocompetence by vaccination. The purpose of this study was to determine the need for MMRV vaccinations in Japanese students of co-medical fields by means of a seroprevalence survey for these viral infectious diseases and to recommend vaccination. Status of the students attending to International University of health and welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, Japan were surveyed in 2008 to 2011 academic year for vaccination and past medical history by self-administered questionnaire and the serum antibody prevalence for enrollment concerning measles, rubella, varicella and mumps. Majority of the students in all years had immunity for measles, rubella and varicella but not for mumps by EIA assy. Although positive rates of measles antibody had risen since 2009, which of rubella was extremely low in the year of 2011. Serum antibody titers of rubella were lower than those of measles in all years. Freshman of 2008 showed highest antibody titers against measles and rubella. A high prevalence rate for the varicella antibody was observed in subjects of 2010 and 2011. The prevalence rate for the mumps antibody was lower in subjects of 2010 and 2011. Vaccinations in Japan are not enforced and like the United States for final vaccination activities entrusted to guardians and personal perceptions and judgment, limits in encouraging vaccination for legal status. The results of this study suggest that the forth stage of measles and rubella mixed regular vaccination targeted since 2008 in Japan was effective. Also determined what should be done the encouraging vaccination based on specific past medical history, vaccination histories (including dates and times) about encouraging vaccination, appropriate for the individual.