IMMUNITY TO MEASLES IN YOUNG-ADULTS IN ISRAEL

The likelihood of an epidemic of measles in 1990-92 in Israel prompted us to study the immune status against measles in a random sample of 4 54 recruits aged 18-19 years in order to obtain data that might be use d in determining vaccination policy. This cohort had received one dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age. The measles immunity status w as studied by determination of antibody values that were measured by m eans of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) IgG antibody test. Of t he recruits, 84.6% were found to have positive sera for anti-measles I gG antibodies, while 13.7% had negative sera. Eight (1.7%) subjects ha d borderline results. The results of this study indicate the need to a dminister a second dose of measles vaccine at an older age in addition to the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine that is now given in Isr ael at 12 months of age. This step will help achieve the World Health Organization's target of complete eradication of measles.