Efficacy of Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Pertussis Vaccination in Children from Gaza, Palestine

Abstract

Vaccination is a preventive strategy in fight against some infectious diseases and it is one of the most effective weapons of health protection of the modern medicine. Hence, it is necessary to continuously monitor the efficacy of vaccination programs. Objective: This study focused on the evaluation of effectiveness and usefulness of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and pertussis in different age groups in Gaza Strip. Method: Blood samples were collected from 184 children below 13 years of age, 91 males and 93 females, children were classified into 4 age groups, (2-4y), (5-7y), (8-10y) and (11-13y). Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Pertussis antibodies were measured in serum samples using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A permission from the local Helsinki committe was obtained to ensure compliance with Ethical guidelins. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.The results were significant if P value was <0.05. Result: The study showed that the efficacy of Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Pertussis vaccination among children below 13 years in Gaza was 70.5%, 68.2%, 96.1% and 66.9% respectively, with a significant difference in efficacy among age groups except pertussis. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between male and female in vaccine efficacy. This study indicates that vaccination is highly effective for rubella while it is less effective for measles, mumps and pertussis , which means that vaccine gives a short term protection, antibody level and vaccine efficacy decline overtime and there is a need for booster dose.