PRIVATE VACCINATION AND PUBLIC-HEALTH - AN EMPIRICAL-EXAMINATION FOR US MEASLES

This paper investigates the degree to which the occurrence of vaccine- preventable diseases affects vaccination efforts against such diseases . Using data from the National Health Interview Survey on measles vacc inations in the United States between 1984 and 1990, the paper shows t here is strong evidence that the prevalence of measles in the responde nt's state of residence reduces the age in months at which the first m easles vaccination occurs. The paper argues that the more prevention o f infectious disease responds to prevalence in this manner, the less i t responds to price, thereby lowering the role of Pigouvian price subs idies and other demand-stimulating public health measures aimed at sol ving the under-provision of vaccines and other preventive efforts with positive external effects.