Rubella Vaccine Program in Nigeria May Benefit from Regional Disparities

When public health officials strategize vaccination programs, local disparities may impact national efforts. A recent study, including Penn State researchers, found that overlooking regional nuances could hinder the benefits of vaccination. The research focused on Nigeria, one of 19 countries yet to introduce rubella vaccination. The findings, published in the Vaccine journal on May 29, emphasized the importance of considering sub-national factors in disease eradication plans. Rubella, a mild viral infection in children, poses a severe risk for congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in adults, particularly pregnant individuals.