MMR vaccination and disease elimination: the Finnish experience

Abstract

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations have been included in Finland’s national vaccination program as a two-dose schedule since 1982. Owing to the high (>95%) coverage of vaccinations, indigenous MMR diseases were eliminated from Finland by the mid-1990s. In 1982, the incidence of measles, mumps and rubella was 105, 43 and 64 per 100,000 population, respectively, but declined to 0.1 per 100,000 population for all MMR diseases in 1995. Since then, the few cases of measles, mumps and rubella imported annually have not caused any outbreaks. Several research projects that started along with the vaccination campaign have provided important support throughout the program. The vaccine was proven to be safe, immunogenic and effective. Antibody follow-up has revealed that MMR vaccine-induced antibodies wane over time, and concerns have arisen about the continuation of this good situation. High vaccination coverage, enhanced surveillance and preparedness to administer additional doses when needed are key factors for future success. Here we present an overview of MMR vaccinations and the Finnish experience of the MMR disease elimination process, and we describe surveillance activities in the era following elimination in Finland.

Keywords::

• elimination
• measles
• MMR vaccination
• mumps
• rubella

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Heikki Peltola has received research grants from the Academy of Finland, the Alfred Kordelin Foundation, the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation, the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation and the Paediatric Research Foundation, and travel and lecture fees from various companies (Novartis Vaccines, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Pasteur-MSD, Sanofi Aventis, Mayne Pharma, Crucell-SBL and Orion Pharma). He is currently a clinical scientific consultant for the Serum Institute of India, Ltd. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.