Seroprevalence of mumps before inclusion of mumps vaccination in the Iranian expanded programme of immunization

The current target groups for measles, mumps and rubella vaccination in the Islamic Republic of Iran are children at 12 months and 4–6 years. A study of the age-specific seroprevalence of antibodies against mumps in children aged 3–18 years in Shahrekord aimed to establish the need for booster vaccinations to cover non-immune children. Of 338 children, 19.8% were seronegative. Age-specific seronegativity was 33.3%, 20.5% and 4.6% in age groups 7–11, 12–14 and 15–18 years respectively. To obtain herd immunity, we suggest that for the next 5 years children aged 7–11 years entering guidance school are selected as the main group for vaccination.