Publication

Long-term measles-induced immunomodulation increases overall childhood infectious disease mortality

Authored by:

Mina, M.J., Metcalf, C.J. de Swart, R.L., et al

Full Citation:

Mina, M.J., Metcalf, C.J. de Swart, R.L., et al 2015. Long-term measles-induced immunomodulation increases overall childhood infectious disease mortality. Science. 348(6235).

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Additional key concepts from this publication:

Administration of vaccines can also decrease childhood deaths from other causes, above and beyond the expected direct impact of the vaccine.

Key Evidence: In a study of data from England & Wales, Denmark, and the US, it was shown that measles infection suppresses the immune system for up to 3 years after infection, increasing the risk of death due to other childhood infections during that time. This means that prevention of measles significantly impacts overall health during critical childhood years.

Episodes of vaccine-preventable diseases in childhood can lead to health consequences later in life.

Key Evidence: In a study of data from England & Wales, Denmark and the US, it was shown that measles infection suppresses the immune system for up to 3 years after infection, increasing the risk of death due to other childhood infections during that time. This means that prevention of measles significantly impacts overall health during critical childhood years.