MEASLES VACCINATION

MEASLES VACCINATION

A live, attenuated measles vaccine(Schwartz strain from chick embryo tissue culture, Edmonston strain from human diploid cells), has a definite protective value of as high a magnitude as 95 to 100%. A single dose produce antibodies for an indefinitely prolonged period. Boosters are usually not needed. An aerosol measles vaccine has yielded gratifying results in Mexico. Besides convenience in administration, it may well overcome other limitations of the injection.

Age to vaccinate

The national recommendation for measles vaccine is at 9 to 12 months of age with revaccination at 15-18 months in the form of MMR vaccine. In high-risk situations it may be given earlier but, in that event, it must be repeated after a gap of 6 months.

Dosage

0.5 – 1.0 ml (SC,ID,IM)

Contraindications

1. Acute illness
2. Immunosuppressive therapy(steroids, antimetabolites, alkylating agents) over prolonged period
3. History of convulsions in the child or the family
4. Leukemia
5. Active tuberculosis
6. Immune deficiency states(hypogammaglobulinemia, severe HIV)
7. Recent gammaglobulin administration
8. Allergy/eczema

Adverse reactions/ complications

Practically no remarkable complications occur if the vaccine is administrated carefully and precautions taken in the wake of the aforesaid  relative contraindications.

1. Mild measle-like illness with fever and rash 5-10 days after immunization
2. Febrile reactions for a day or two from fifth to twelfth post-vaccination day in a proportion of the cases.
3. Even convulsions may occur.
4. Slight gastrointestinal upset and
5. Rhinopharyngitis
6. Toxic shock syndrome

Precaution

Reconstituted vaccine must be employed the same day and the leftover discarded.