Description
The vaccine is an attenuated live virus vaccine. Each dose (0.5 ml) contains not less than 1,000 infective units of viral vaccine strain CAM 70, and not more than 100 mcg residual kanamycin sulphate and 30 mcg residual erythromycin. This vaccine is freeze-dried product which must be reconstituted only with the sterile diluent provided separately for that purpose. The vaccine fulfils WHO requirements for measles vaccine.
Indication
Active immunization against measles.
Composition
Each dose of vaccine reconstituted contains :
Measles Virus 1,000 CCID50
Kanamycin sulphate 100 mcg
Erythromycin 30 mcg
Dosage and Administration
The vaccine vial should be thoroughly shaken before use to homogenize the suspension.
The vaccine should be injected intramuscularly or deep subcutaneously.
The anterolateral aspect of the upper thigh is the preferred site of injection
(An injection into a child's buttocks may cause injury to the sciatic nerve and is not recommended).
It must not be injected into the skin as this may give rise to local reaction. One dose is 0.5 ml.
A sterile syringe and a sterile needle should be used for each injection.
In countries where pertussis is of particular threat to young infants, DTP immunization should be started as soon as possible
with the first dose given as early as 6 weeks, and two subsequent doses given at 4 weeks intervals.
DTP vaccine can be given safely and effectively at the same time as BCG, Measles and Polio vaccines (OPV and IPV),
Hepatitis B, Hib and Yellow Fever vaccine.
Side Effects
A mild fever and rash lasting one to three days may occur in up to 15% of vaccinee 8 to 12 days after vaccination. Encephalitis has been reported following measles vaccination approximately one case per million doses administered.
Contraindications
There are few contraindications to the administration of measles vaccine. On the contrary, it is particulary important
to immunize children with malnutrition. Low grade fever, mild respiratory infections or diarrhoea and other minor illnesses
should not be considered as contraindications. It is contraindicated in patients with a known severe allergy
to kanamycin sulphate, erythromycin. Since the effect of the live measles virus vaccine on the fetus is not known,
it is also contraindicated in pregnancy.
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTED PERSON. The vaccine is contraindicated in those with immune deficiency disease
or immune response disturbances due to leukemia, lymphoma or generalize malignancy. However, HIV infected persons,
both asymptomatic and symptomatic, should be immunized with measles vaccine according to the standard schedule.
Storage and Expiry
Freeze-dried measles vaccine should be kept at below 8 oC (below 0 oC is preferable) until used.
Stability is even better if the vaccine (not the diluent) is kept at -20 oC.
The diluent should not be frozen but kept cool until being used. The vaccine should be protected from light.
Expiry date : 2 years.
Presentation
Vial of 10 doses.+ 5 ml of diluent in an ampoule.
