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Measles is the most serious of the 3 diseases addressed by the single vaccines
initiative.
There are a number of brands and therefore strains
of measles vaccine that we use in clinic. The
availability depends on what manufacturers have
made available to the UK importers.
They are all equally effective at stimulating
antibody production against the measles disease
in humans. The side effect profiles are also broadly
similar among them.
The manufacturers state that they have screened
the ingredients for various agents including that
which spreads spongiform encephalopathy ( CJD
)
Rouvax brand.
This is made by Sanofi Pasteur-MSD in Lyon, France
and contains the Schwarz strain of measles virus.
It is grown in chick embryos and also contains
human albumin and neomycin antibiotic. It does
not contain Thiomersal or any other mercury based
preservative.
The Schwarz strain is used to make combined MMR
that is available in the UK NHS.
Attenuvax brand.
This is made by Merck and Co., Inc in USA, which
is in fact now part of the Sanofi Pasteur-MSD
group. It contains the Edmonston-Enders strain
of measles vaccine. This too is cultured in chick
embryos and contains human albumin and also has
fetal bovine (cow) serum.
The Edmonston-Enders strain is also used to make
combined MMR that is available in the UK NHS.
SII (Serum Ins. of India) brand.
This is made by te Serum institue of India.
It contains the Edmonston-Zagreb strain of measles
virus (which is no longer being produced by Brena Biotech in Switzerland). It is the only available measles vaccine
brand that is not cultured in chick embryos: and
is therefore particularly valuable for children who
are suspected to be allergic to eggs.
It is cultured in human diploid cells similar
to culturing rubella virus) and also has neomycin
and milk protein (lactalbumin) in it.
Vaccine benefits.
These vaccines have been found to confer immunity
to measles in between 90% and 95% of recipients.
They have a good track record over the last 30 years. The recipients are not infectious to others.
Boosters.
They do require to be boosted by getting a second
dose. Booster dose can be given from 3 months
after the first dose. The usual course is to have
one dose as a toddler in the second year of life
and obtain the booster just prior to starting
full time school.
Risks and side-effect.
Relatively common side effects are local redness,
swelling or irritation at the injection site or
a fever and muscle pains during the first few
days after the vaccination. After the vaccine
has incubated in the body for about a week or
2 there may be a blotchy rash and further symptoms
of fever and feeling unwell like a mild attack
of measles.
Much rarer side effects include alterations in
bone marrow function, brain inflammation and severe
allergic reactions.
Contraindications.
There are some important situations when the
measles vaccine should not be administered.
• Avoid vaccination with measles during
pregnancy.
• Avoid if suffering from conditions that
adversely affect immunity e.g. cancer and cancer
treatment, HIV-AIDS, prolonged high-dose steroid
treatment
• Avoid if known to be seriously allergic
to any of the ingredients or constituents.
Author: Dr.D.D.Ratnasinghe.
Oct 2008.
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