PubMed · 1969 · 30 citations · 3 references
MedicineImmunologyInfectious DiseasesImmunizationPediatric ImmunologyPediatric Infectious DiseasesImmunization In InfancyImmunization PolicyInfant ImmunizationPediatric ImmunizationVaccinationVaccination PolicyLongitudinal Disease SurveillancePediatric Immunization PolicyPediatric VaccinationPoliovirus VaccinationPoliovirus VaccinesSerological ComparisonSocioeconomic EnvironmentVaccination Coverage In Children
Paralytic poliomyelitis reappeared in Houston in 1968 after a five-year period during which the city was free from the disease. Results of serological study indicate that in 1968 a large segment of children in low-income families were susceptible to infection by poliovirus, with as many as 62% of infants 3 to 8 months old lacking antibody against any type of poliovirus, and with 32% completely susceptible even at ages 12 to 23 months. Comparison with findings of a similar study carried out shortly after Houston's 1962 mass vaccination campaign indicates that a wide and disturbing immunity gap is developing in this sector of the population. There is clearly a need for longitudinal surveillance of polio immunity, and for concerted efforts to assure continuing vaccination of infants and young children, particularly in the lower socioeconomic group.
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