Effect of early measles vaccination (AIK-C strain) for preterm infants.

Background: The level of maternal antibodies decreases more quickly in preterm than term infants, leaving them unprotected against measles. To protect premature infants from measles, an early vaccination trial was investigated.

Methods: Changes in the serum measles neutralization test (NT) antibody titer were examined in 152 infants (average gestational period, 29 weeks; average birthweight, 1203 g).