Impact of the 1996-1997 supplementary measles vaccination campaigns in South Africa.

Background: In South Africa, as part of an effort to eliminate indigenous measles by 2002, vaccination campaigns were conducted in 1996-1997 targeting all children aged 9 months to 14 years; coverage was estimated at 85%. The impact of the campaigns on measles disease burden was evaluated in 1999.

Methods: We analysed routine measles surveillance data and undertook a retrospective review of hospital registers in two of South Africa's nine provinces.