Measles Vaccine Field Trials in Alaska: I. Killed Vaccine Followed by Live Attenuated Vaccine and γ-Globulin With Live Attenuated Vaccine

Two regimens of measles vaccination were tested in Alaskan Eskimo villages in March, 1963. Clinical reactions to vaccines were no more severe than those observed in other populations. From 7 to 11 days following administration of live attenuated vaccine plus γ-globulin, 18% of vaccinees had a temperature of 103 F (39.4 C) and 24% developed a rash. One dose of killed vaccine followed in six weeks by live attenuated vaccine produced a temperature of 102 F (38.9 C) in only two instances and measles-like rash was not observed. Height of antibody response following live attenuated vaccine and γ-globulin was related significantly to age and maximum temperature. Rash occurred more frequently in the very young.