MMR Immunization Rate and Related Factors: Findings from Repeated Surveys (1996, 1999) on Elementary School Students in Kyonggi Province, Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to obtain the immunization rate of MMR, and to know the related factors. METHODS: Subjects of the study were 3,364 students of 8 elementary schools of Kyonggi province. Surveys accompanied with questionnaires were conducted in 1996 and 1999, respectively. RESULTS: The salient features of the findings were as follows The immunization rate for MMR turned out to increase as the age of students becomes younger and the 2nd MMR coverage rate in the 1999 survey was 30%. The MMR immunization rate had a strong positive correlation with parental education and income levels. The 2nd MMR immunization rate also had a strong positive correlation with the level of parental education. The vaccination record-keeping rate increased from 30% in 1996 to 41% in 1999. Especially, 52% of freshmen had a record in 1999. The record keeping rate had a strong positive correlation with parental education and income levels. Vaccination places for MMR were hospital or clinics in 60% and public health centers in 39%. CONCLUSION: The vaccination coverage rate for MMR was 85.5% in 1996 and 83.0% in 1999, respectively. The immunization rate however was not high enough to be able to protect against the MMR epidemy. In particular, we should pay more attention to vaccinating the children whose parents' education or income level is low. And we need to have a program that will enhance coverage for the 1st and the 2nd MMR among school children.