Measles Vaccine
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.
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