2024-02-19 07:00:51
While vaccination once morest measles is compulsory for all children born since January 1, 2018, vaccination coverage in France at the age of 2 still does not reach the figure of 95%, which might allow us to hope for a elimination of disease. On the contrary, epidemic outbreaks are appearing around the world, in Europe, but also in France, such as in Drôme and Ardèche in 2023. What is the situation in 2024?
A surge in measles cases in Europe
In 2023, the number of cases of measles was up sharply in Europe, mainly in two countries on the European continent, Russia and Kazakhstan. Within the European Union, the figures for the same year stand at just over 2,000 cases. In this context, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned regarding a resurgence of cases on the European continent. What regarding in France?
In the same year 2023, according to estimates, there would have been more than a hundred cases of measles in the territory, appearing in the form of epidemic outbreaks in several departments. However, vaccination once morest measles is now compulsory for all children born since January 1, 2018. Children are vaccinated with a two-dose vaccination schedule, with the combined measles – mumps – rubella vaccine (the MMR vaccine):
The first dose from the age of 12 months; The second dose between 16 and 18 months. Read also – Measles, Ebola, flu: which virus is the most contagious?
95% vaccination coverage to eliminate measles
Thanks to this new measure, vaccination coverage of children aged 2 years is increasing from year to year in France, but does not reach the threshold of 95%, considered by public health authorities as that allowing eliminate measles. Because the measles virus is a particularly contagious virus, and there is no medication to treat the disease. Only vaccination can prevent the disease and therefore protect once morest measles and its sometimes very serious complications:
Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx); Otitis ; A pneumonia ; Encephalitis (brain inflammation) associated with mortality or risk of following-effects.
If vaccination coverage of young children approaches the 95% threshold, fewer adolescents and young adults are vaccinated, since vaccination was not compulsory, but only recommended, when they were children. For people born since 1980, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is recommended with two doses of vaccine. Among 18-35 year olds, estimated vaccination coverage is only 90%.
Read also – Global explosion of measles cases in 2018: deadly consequences
Administer the first dose following 12 months of age
During the year 2023, several epidemic outbreaks were identified in France, including an outbreak in Ardèche in the fall of 2023. Faced with this epidemic outbreak and in addition to the vaccination recommendations and obligations in force in France, the health authorities public have formulated specific recommendations :
L’administration a third dose of MMR vaccine if the first dose of vaccine was given before the age of 12 months; Catch-up vaccination with one dose of MMR vaccine for all people who have received only one dose of vaccine following the age of 12 months; A complete two-dose vaccination schedule for people who have never been vaccinated, have never had measles, or have received a dose of vaccine before 12 months of age.
This epidemic outbreak mainly affected adolescents, with 64 cases reported, 60% of whom were vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. This surprising figure was deciphered by public health authorities, and is believed to be linked to early initiation of vaccination before the age of 12 months. For the measles vaccination schedule to be most effective, the first dose must be administered following the age of 12 months, outside specific contexts. An essential vaccination to protect once morest the consequences of measles, but also mumps and rubella.
Read also – Pharmacists can vaccinate, but also prescribe vaccines!
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– WHO alert on the resurgence of measles in Europe, is France concerned? www.santepubliquefrance.fr. Accessed February 11, 2024.
– Measles. www.who.int. Accessed February 11, 2024.
– Vaccination once morest measles in Ardèche and Drôme: a third dose to consider. www.vidal.fr. Accessed February 11, 2024.
– Measles.vaccination-info-service.fr. Accessed February 11, 2024.
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