ObjectiveTo investigate the level of measles antibody in pregnant women and women of childbearing age, and to provide evidence for promoting the immunization in women of childbearing age.

MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted for survey on measles immunization history and its antibody level in 422 pregnant women and 350 women of childbearing age, as well as maternal effects on neonatal antibody levels

ResultsThe positive rate and protection rate of measles antibody in pregnant and childbearing-age women were 86.97% and 36.02%, and 89.71% and 37.71% respectively. There was no significant difference found in the antibody levels of females who were born 'before' or 'after' the planned immunizations (P > 0.05), and were not affected by gestational physiology(P > 0.05).The distribution of maternal and child antibodies was consistent, and the positive rate and protection rate of antibody in newborns were 85.50% and 41.50%. The levels of antibody (positive rate) in newborns whose mother had history of immunizations were significantly higher than those whose mother had not history of immunizations or unknown immunizations(P < 0.01).

ConclusionThe low level of antibody in pregnant or childbearing-age women is the fundamental factor of leading to the incidence of measles in the infants of less than 8-months. It is proposed to strengthen immunization work for childbearing-age women under 32 years.