A review of measles notification for Soweto for the period 1984 to 1986

Abstract

Prior to 1986, Sowetan children were vaccinated against measles on two occasions at 6 and 12 months of age. In order to comply with the World Health Organisation's recommendation for African countries, this schedule was changed in January 1986 to one vaccination at 9 months of age. At the time of this change in the measles vaccination schedule, there was a reported increase m the incidence of measles at hospitals that serve the population of Soweto. This was thought to represent a general increase in the incidence of measles in Soweto. This study set out to investigate this reported increase in the incidence of measles over the period. A retrospective record review of notification forms was undertaken.