A GUIDE TO INTRODUCING A 2ND DOSE OF MEASLES VACCINE INTO ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES.

Tuesday, 24th of September 2013

[source]WHO/IVB Publication[|source]

Since 2009, WHO has recommended that reaching all children with two doses of measles containing vaccine (MCV) should be the standard for all national immunization programmes. In accordance with this policy recommendation, countries have been advised to continue routine first dose of MCV (MCV-1) at 9 months and the second dose given as either routine second dose of MCV (MCV-2) at 18 months or second opportunity through supplemental immunization activities.

The WHO goes further to clarify that when national coverage of MCV-1 of 80% has been achieved countries should consider introducing a second dose into their routine immunization schedule. The anticipation is that as routine coverage with two MCV doses increases, campaigns will need to occur less frequently and can eventually cease altogether.

 Taking the above mentioned policy and technical guidance as its starting point, this guide “translates” the recommendations and evidence for introducing a routine second dose of measles vaccine into an easy to use “step-by-step” process. The guideline is now available and can be downloaded from:  http://www.who.int/immunization/documents/WHO_IVB_13.03/en/index.html

 

Abstract

This document is for national immunization programme managers and immunization partners involved in operational support.

Its objectives are:

• To guide the policy discussions and operational aspects of the introduction of a second dose of measles vaccine into the routine immunization schedule.
• To provide up-to-date references on the global policy, the technical justification, and the strategic issues relating to the introduction and provision of a second dose of measles vaccine in the routine immunization programme.