RT Journal
A1 Melnick JL, Burkhardt M, Taber LH, Erckman PN
T1 DEveloping gap in immunity to poliomyelitis in an urban area
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1969
FD August 25
VO 209
IS 8
SP 1181
OP 1185
DO 10.1001/jama.1969.03160210013003
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1969.03160210013003
AB 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.