The susceptibility of young adult Americans to vaccine-preventable infections: a national serosurvey of US army recruits

Article Abstract:

Recently there has been resurgence in the number of cases of measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). Many of these cases are occurring not in the young child, as in the past, but in teenagers and young adults. A study was undertaken to determine the level of immunity of young adults, in an effort to provide information to those who make national and military immunization policy decisions. There were 1,547 US army recruits included in the study; the recruits were given a questionnaire and blood samples were obtained. Blood samples were evaluated for antibody status (presence of antibodies indicates immunity) against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox), as well as poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3. The results of the blood analysis revealed that 20.7 percent of recruits were without antibodies against measles; 15.6 percent, against mumps; 17.6 percent against rubella; and 6.9 percent against varicella. Susceptibility to measles, mumps, and rubella was less in women, blacks, and college-educated recruits; women and backs were more susceptible to varicella. Older recruits (those born before 1970) more often had immunity to measles, mumps and rubella than did younger recruits. A total of 2.3 percent of the recruits lacked immunity to polio type 1; 0.6 percent to type 2; and 14.6 percent to type 3. It is concluded that immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella is unevenly distributed among young Americans. These findings support the national objective of improving immunization in school children and young adults. Results support legislation which would require those entering college to present evidence of at least two measles vaccinations, one of which having been given at or after admission to elementary school. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Evaluation, Prevention, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Communicable diseases, Vaccination, United States. Army, Preventive health services, Preventive medicine, Recruiting and enlistment

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Infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b: the beginning of the end?

Article Abstract:

The use of vaccines against the bacterium Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) has reduced the incidence of Hib infections in young children, but they might increase the incidence in older children and adults. Hib infections have affected tens of thousands of children throughout the world, often causing death or disability. Three studies published in Jan 1993 show that the incidence of Hib infections in children five years old or less dropped 85% to 90% shortly after several Hib vaccines were licensed. In all of the studies, the incidence of Hib infections in infants less than 18 months old also dropped, even before the vaccines were licensed in this age group. It is likely that the vaccines reduce bacterial colonization of the throat, which would reduce the chance that the vaccinated child would transmit the infection. However, older children and adults acquire immunity from this colonization; consequently, eradication of the bacterium could increase the incidence of infection in these age groups.

Editorial

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Decreases in invasive Haemophilus influenzae diseases in US army children, 1984 through 1991

Article Abstract:

The use of vaccines against the bacterium Hemophilus influenzae type b (hib) has reduced the incidence of Hib disease in many military bases. Government data on hospitalization rates of children of military personnel show that the incidence of Hib disease in children under the age of five has dropped 50% since 1987. The first Hib vaccine was licensed in 1985, followed in 1987 by a conjugate vaccine that was more effective. In 1986, 188 cases of Hib disease were treated at military hospitals, compared to only 43 in 1991. An estimated two million doses of vaccine were purchased by the Department of Defense between 1985 and 1991, and in 1991, more than 80% of eligible children were vaccinated. The incidence of Hib meningitis began falling in 1988, two years before the vaccine was licensed in infants, who have the highest risk of the disease. This could reflect a drop in the number of carriers among the older children.

Children, Diseases, Military personnel, Children of military personnel

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