Can We Eliminate Measles and Rubella Worldwide?
-
A recent study in The Lancet Global Health takes a pessimistic view of our ability to eradicate measles by 2100, although rubella forecasts look a bit more promising. So far, measles has been eliminated in 81 countries and rubella in 93. But factors such as antivaccination sentiment and misinformation linking vaccination to autism have led to occasional outbreaks. In addition, because the COVID-19 pandemic fueled lower routine vaccination coverage and postponed public health campaigns, some countries have also lost previously gained ground.
-
@maggie The study, which is slated for publication in the October 1 issue, explored the likelihood of eliminating measles and rubella, based on vaccination strategies in 93 countries with the highest measles and rubella burden, under two vaccination scenarios: 1) a "business as usual" approach, ie, continuing current vaccination coverage via routine childhood immunization schedules, and intermittent vaccination campaigns that target age groups to vaccinate quickly