The virtual elimination of rubella and mumps from the United States and the use of combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR) to eliminate measles

Abstract

The measles elimination effort, which began in 1978, has made dramatic contributions to the virtual elimination of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) and the control of mumps in the USA. The use of combined MMR vaccine has resulted in immunization levels at school entry in excess of 95% against each of these diseases. As a result, record low levels of rubella, CRS, and mumps were reported in 1984. Continued use of MMR, along with improved surveillance and aggressive response to outbreaks, can be expected to eliminate rubella and mumps as well as measles.