A new look at measles.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and practice guideline without systematic search methodology
What was done
This narrative review and practice guideline summarized trends in measles epidemiology and immunization policy in the United States following the 1963 licensure of the measles vaccine.
What was found
Measles cases initially declined by 98% following vaccine licensure in 1963, but incidence subsequently began to increase. Attack rates shifted predominantly to preschool-age children (associated with low immunization coverage in inner-city populations) and older school-age and college students. These epidemiological changes formed the basis for the ACIP and AAP adopting a two-dose measles immunization schedule. No further quantitative data were reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
The paper outlines the epidemiological evidence and policy rationale that led US health advisory bodies to replace single-dose vaccination with a two-dose measles schedule.
Limits
This is a narrative review and guideline overview rather than an original empirical study or systematic review. The abstract provides minimal quantitative figures and does not report sample sizes, specific attack rates, or comparative statistics.
Cited by
- contradicts Ninety percent of measles was already gone when the vaccine was introduced, due to better sanitation and health.