Pre-school immunisation: the importance of achieving adequate uptake

SUMMARY. With the anticipated introduction of a triple vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella, the proportion of children vaccinated each year will need to rise from 68 per cent to 95 per cent if the target of eliminating measles is to be achieved. This article reviews the morbidity associated with preventable infectious diseases of childhood, discusses possible reasons for inadequate vaccine uptake and suggests ways for improving this situation including the case for school entry legislation.