Measles Immunization and Vitamin A for Prevention of Pneumonia in Indonesia
Abstract: Pneumonia is the
major cause of child death in Indonesia after diarrhea. Increasing coverage of
measles, pertusis, Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) and Haemophilus influenzae b
(Hib) immunization substantially can control pneumonia. Spn and Hib vaccines
have not been included in category of mandatory immunization in Indonesia.
Measles vaccine has more direct effect on prevention of pneumonia than pertusis
vaccine. Providing immunization followed by providing vitamin A will increase
the specific antibody titer among children. This study aimed to determine
effects of measles vaccine and vitamin A to pneumonia incidence among toddlers.
Method of study was cross sectional using 13,062 data of children drawn from
2012 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey. Data were analyzed using poisson
regression test. Analysis results showed that prevalence of pneumonia among
Indonesian children was 5.4%, measles immunization coverage was 82.57%, and
vitamin A supplementation coverage was 74.9%. Furthermore, providing measles
immunization and vitamin A could prevent pneumonia incidence among toddlers (12
– 59 months old) up to 26.5%. Providing measles immunization then followed by
providing vitamin A can be used as a preventive action in attempt to decrease
pneumonia incidence.
Author: Ratno Widoyo
Journal Code: jpkesmasgg160021
