Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Role of mass vaccination in controlling the re-emergence of measles in Jordan 2013-2014, lessons learned

7^th Middle East - Global Summit and Expo on Vaccines & Vaccination

September 28-29, 2015 Dubai, UAE

Najwa Khuri-Bulos2, Ratib Srour1, Nabil Qasem1 and Mohammad Abdallat1

1Jordan Ministry of Health, Jordan
2Jordan University Hospital, Jordan

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

Outbreaks of measles continued to occur in Jordan despite >90% vaccine uptake till two dose measles containing vaccines was started in 1995. Following that the numbers decreased and no cases were reported between 2009-2011. However the influx of refugees from Syria, led to 3 cases in late 2012 which spread all over Jordan peaking in April 2013. 120 cases occurred in 2013. 61 patients were Syrian, 53 were Jordanians while 6 were Iraqi. The age distribution showed that infants <1 year accounted for almost 25% (29) while individuals >15 accounted for 21/120, eleven of these were young adults between 20-35 year olds. Only 16/120 were vaccinated. In order to control the outbreak Jordan embarked on a multipronged plan which included vaccination around the case, Measles/Polio/vitamin A campaign at Zaatari and EJC camps (covering 71,000 individuals up to 30 years). Out of camp Measles/Vitamin A campaign in 2 Governorates bordering Syria and Iraq (covering 622,000 children up to 15 years) in June and a country wide MR campaign in November for all children from 6 month-20 years old. Following this the outbreak was interrupted but 20 cases of measles occurred in 2014. The type of virus was B3. Ongoing measles control measures have to be intensified in Jordan in order to go back on track for measles elimination. The occurrence of measles in infants <6 months and young adults should be addressed in order to prevent measles increasing in infants whose mothers are unimmune.

Biography :

Email: Najwa.khuri@gmail.com