MMR vaccination and disease elimination: the Finnish experience

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations have been included in Finland's national vaccination program as a two-dose schedule since 1982. Owing to the high (>95%) coverage of vaccinations, indigenous MMR diseases were eliminated from Finland by the mid-1990s. In 1982, the incidence of me...

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Published inExpert review of vaccines Vol. 9; no. 9; pp. 1045 - 1053
Main Authors Davidkin, Irja, Kontio, Mia, Paunio, Mikko, Peltola, Heikki
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Taylor & Francis 01.09.2010
Expert Reviews Ltd
Informa Healthcare
Subjects
Disease Outbreaks - prevention & control
elimination
Finland - epidemiology
Health aspects
Humans
Incidence
measles
Measles - epidemiology
Measles - prevention & control
Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine
Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine - administration & dosage
Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine - immunology
MMR vaccination
mumps
Mumps - epidemiology
Mumps - prevention & control
rubella
Rubella - epidemiology
Rubella - prevention & control
Vaccination - utilization
Finland
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Summary:Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations have been included in Finland's national vaccination program as a two-dose schedule since 1982. Owing to the high (>95%) coverage of vaccinations, indigenous MMR diseases were eliminated from Finland by the mid-1990s. In 1982, the incidence of measles, mumps and rubella was 105, 43 and 64 per 100,000 population, respectively, but declined to 0.1 per 100,000 population for all MMR diseases in 1995. Since then, the few cases of measles, mumps and rubella imported annually have not caused any outbreaks. Several research projects that started along with the vaccination campaign have provided important support throughout the program. The vaccine was proven to be safe, immunogenic and effective. Antibody follow-up has revealed that MMR vaccine-induced antibodies wane over time, and concerns have arisen about the continuation of this good situation. High vaccination coverage, enhanced surveillance and preparedness to administer additional doses when needed are key factors for future success. Here we present an overview of MMR vaccinations and the Finnish experience of the MMR disease elimination process, and we describe surveillance activities in the era following elimination in Finland.
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ISSN:1476-0584
1744-8395
DOI:10.1586/erv.10.99