Vaccination coverage and sociodemographic determinants of measles–mumps–rubella vaccination in three different age groups

WHO–Europe’s goal is to eliminate measles and rubella by 2010 which will require a coverage rate of 95% for both MMR-vaccine doses. Belgian recommendations include a first MMR vaccine at 12 months and a second at 10–12 years of age. To survey MMR vaccination coverage, EPI two-stage random cluster samples of 1,500 toddlers (18–24 months of age), 900 primary school children (born in 1997), and 1,500 adolescents (born in 1991) living in Flanders (Belgium) were drawn. Documented MMR-vaccination was recorded and a questionnaire on sociodemographic factors was completed at home by trained interviewers in 2005. Missing data were retrieved from well-baby clinics and school health service documents. The overall response rate was 89.5%, leaving 3,490 subjects fit for analysis. MMR coverage (first dose) was 94.0% in the toddler group, 88.0% in the 7-year-olds, and 80.6% in adolescents. The 10- to 12-year dose was documented in 83.6% of the adolescents, but only 74.6% had proof of both MMR vaccines. A lower MMR coverage was noted in single or divorced parents (toddlers, adolescents), families with more than four children (toddlers, adolescents), non-Belgian parental origin (children, adolescents), lower education or unemployment of parents (toddlers, children, adolescents), low family income (children, adolescents), vaccination by the GP (toddlers, children), and education-related factors (children, adolescents). The recommended WHO coverage rate of 95% for MMR is within reach in toddlers. Documentation of vaccination is a major concern in older age groups and may explain lower coverage estimates. Children growing up in a less privileged environment deserve special attention.