Children not immunised for measles

Abstract

SIR,-Dr Terry Kemple has highlighted the reasons for children not receiving measles immunisation (11 May, p 1395). He comments that "confusion with the pertussis immunisation" was one of the common categories for not accepting measles vaccine. We have recently performed a study on the measles and pertussis immunisation status of all age eligible children born in four calendar months of 1983, as recorded on the district immunisation and vaccination record card. One of the subgroups studied was the measles immunisation status of children who had received the recommended three courses of diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, with or without pertussis. Companison of pertussis and measles immunisation status in children who completed the recommended diphtheria, tetanus, and polio schedule Immunisation status Measles No measles Total Pertussis 354 37 391 No pertussis 93 59 152 Total 447 96 543