Measles‐Rubella Mass Immunization Campaign in Albania, November 2000

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Abstract
In 2000, Albania resolved to eliminate measles by 2007 by use of a four‐step program: by conducting a “catch‐up” vaccination campaign for all children aged 1–14 years, achieving and sustaining high coverage (⩾95%) among children aged 1 year with the first dose of a measles‐containing vaccine, by introducing a routine second dose of measles‐containing vaccine for children at age 5 years, and by improving measles surveillance. This catch‐up campaign took place in November 2000: 867,000 doses of measles‐rubella vaccine were administered for an estimated coverage of 99%. In all, 231 campaign‐related adverse events were reported: syncope, 206; allergic reactions, 10; fever, 8; encephalitis/encephalopathy, 2; and aseptic meningitis, seizures, Guillain‐Barré syndrome, anaphylaxis, and arthralgia, 1 each. All resolved without sequelae. This report describes the status of measles and rubella/congenital rubella syndrome control in Albania before 2000 and reports on implementation of the catch‐up campaign.

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