To infer the antibody threshold necessary to sustain herd immunity against measles in Finland, utilizing longitudinal data from a vaccinated cohort.
Key Findings:
The Finnish MMR vaccination coverage has remained consistently above 95%.
Sustained herd immunity in Finland is indicated by the absence of measles epidemics despite low-level exposure.
An antibody concentration of 120 mIU/ml is considered a correlate of protection against measles.
Interpretation:
The study suggests that maintaining a sufficient proportion of the population with adequate antibody levels is crucial for preventing measles outbreaks.
Limitations:
The study relies on historical data and may not account for current vaccination practices or population changes.
Different laboratory assays were used over time, which may affect comparability of antibody measurements.
Conclusion:
Sustained herd immunity in Finland reflects both protection against infection and interruption of transmission, necessitating continuous monitoring of antibody levels.
