Serum Antibody Titers of Measles and Rubella among Japanese Children

Abstract

Background: The rubella outbreak in Japan has not yet been eliminated. In particular, an outbreak of congenital rubella syndrome has recently become a public health problem in Japan. The World Health Organization has set an elimination target of 2015 for measles in Japan. However, an outbreak of measles occurred in Japan between 2007 and 2008. Starting in April 2006, the measles and rubella vaccines were administered twice, once when a child reached 1 year old and once when the child was 5 - 6 years old (just before starting elementary school). Between October of 1978 and 2006, children were vaccinated only once for measles and rubella. Design: During the study enrollment period (2011-2013), the serum antibody titers of measles and rubella were measured in pediatric patients (n = 163) in the Tokyo Takanawa Hospital. Results: The prevalence rates of the two diseases indicated that only one vaccination was insufficient to protect against infection. Conclusions: Our studies have determined that it was important to vaccinate children twice for measles and rubella during early infancy.