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On the basis of a circular, a University
in USA makes it mandatory for every entrant to have MMR immunization.
They recommend; (i) two doses of primary immunization not before
first birthday; (ii) Persons vaccinated earlier than 1968 should
be revaccinated; (iii) persons born before 1957 do not need
measles vaccination; and (iv) if the person does not have a
documentation of measles vaccination, revaccination is recommended. It
is recom-mended that both doses of vaccines should be given as MMR
vaccine.
In the interest of our today’s patients who may go
abroad after 20 years, should the IAP Committee on Immunization not
recommend the following?
1. Measles vaccine should be started after 1st
birth day.
2. Measles vaccine should be preferably given as
MMR vaccine in 2 doses.
3. In the best interest of young people going
abroad they should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine the way it is
recommended.
4. Should every adolescent receive 2 doses of MMR
vaccine whether or not he/she goes abroad?
In addition to the queries raised above I would like
to know whether the American Academy of Pediatrics has a different
sche-dule than us in relation to Measles and MMR vaccination. In case it
is, should IAP follow the same schedule in the interest of students
going abroad for studies?
Shreekant Chorghade,
Consultant Pediatrician,
Child Psychologist and Counsellor,
Dharampeth,
Nagpur 440 010, India.
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