MEASLES, MUMPS AND RUBELLA (MMR) VACCINAT ION RATES IN MUNICH SCHOOL-BEGINNERS

A cross-sectional study was performed on all 10029 school-beginners in Munich in 1994 to investigate the vaccination status of measles, mump s and rubella immunisation. The objective of the study was to determin e socio-demographic and psychological factors affecting the MMR vaccin ation rate. Data were received from 81.8% of all 10029 school-beginner s. The vaccination rate was 86.1% for measles, 84.5% for mumps and 72. 9% for rubella (missing values not included). Low overall vaccination rate was found in not first-born children, children of parents with no n-german nationality, in children of parents with a low socio-economic status, in children accompanied by a working parent, and in children accompanied by a smoking parent. Children without any denomination als o showed a lower vaccination rate. Girls had a higher vaccination rate for rubella than boys. A higher overall vaccination rate for MMR was associated with parents considering these infections to have a high im pact for people's health. Vice versa children of parents considering a dverse effects of vaccination against MMR as an important impact on he alth had significant lower vaccination rates. The results of a multipl e logistic regression model showed two factors significantly affecting the MMR vaccination rate: Physician's recommendation and individual a ttitude towards medicine seem to have the most important influence on decision making for or against vaccination. In conclusion MMR vaccinat ion strategies have to be improved. New ways such as, no vaccination - no school' should be considered for Germany.