Measles in France: the epidemiological impact of suboptimal immunisation coverage.

The promotion of immunisation in France since 1983 has resulted in a 97% reduction in morbidity and a reduction of 60% of mortality. However, the stable and sub-optimal coverage around 84% leads to a shift in higher age groups, where complications are more frequent and serious. The proportion of those aged over 10 years was 13% in 1985 and reached 48% in 1997, the transmission of measles being maintained in France. To eliminate the disease, vaccine coverage with 2 doses and over 95% would be necessary.