Progress Toward Measles Elimination in the People's Republic of China, 2000–2009

Abstract

In 2006, China set a goal of measles elimination by 2012. To describe progress toward this goal, we reviewed relevant policies and strategies and analyzed national data for 2000-2009. In response to implementation of these strategies, including increased routine measles vaccination coverage and province-specific supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), reported measles incidence decreased to a historically low level of 39.5 cases per million in 2009. A synchronized nationwide SIA was scheduled in 2010 to further decrease susceptibility to measles. However, reaching and maintaining measles elimination will require strong political commitment and efforts for strengthening surveillance, increasing 2-dose vaccine coverage to >95%, stricter enforcement of the requirement to check immunization status at school entry, and careful attention to measles susceptibility in those aged ≥15 years.

Monitoring progress towards the elimination of measles in China: an analysis of measles surveillance data

“…The recommended age for a child to receive a second dose of measles vaccine was lowered to between 18 and 24 months in 2005. 9 The mean annual measles incidence reported in China, in cases per 100 000 population, was 572.0 between 1960 and 1969, 355.3 between 1970 and 1979, 52.9 between 1980 and 1989, and 7.6 between 1990 and 1999, 10 and it has remained below 10 since 2000.…”

The epidemiological and serological characteristics of measles in Dongguan, China, 2005–2014

“…The baby's immunization status is reinforced by periodic province-specific SIAs. 9,23 However, there is an increasing number of families relocate due to socioeconomic reasons and it has brought big challenge to this system. 23 If an immigrant parent fail to re-register at the local immunization center of the new city, the baby of the parent could be dropped out of the system and would not receive appropriate scheduled immunization.…”

“…8 As a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region (WPR), China aimed to eliminate measles by 2012. 9 China's central government has made great efforts to eliminate measles by sustaining high 2-dose measles vaccination coverage (>95%), implementing supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), and maintaining an effective surveillance system. However, resurgence of measles in recent years has disrupted the momentum to eliminate the disease in China.…”

Measles epidemic from 1951 to 2012 and vaccine effectiveness in Guangzhou, Southern China

“…12,13 Our analysis indicated that the cases of measles in individuals older than 15 y accounted for approximately 23% of all cases between 2009 and 2012, similar to other developed countries where measles has been well-controlled. [14][15][16] By increasing the vaccination rate in the target population for measles vaccination (8 mo and 14 y of age), a decrease in the incidence of measles was observed in individuals older than 15 y of age over time. The shift in the age distribution of measles is one of the events that occur prior to the stage of disease elimination.…”