Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine, Live

A to Z Drug Facts

 Action Induces protective antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella viruses.

 Indications Vaccination of individuals known to be susceptible to measles, mumps or rubella; prevention of occurrence of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) mong offspring of women who contract rubella during pregnancy. Preferred immunizing agent for most children and many adults.

 Contraindications Pregnancy; moderate to severe hypersensitivity reaction to eggs; immunosuppressive therapy; blood dyscrasia, leukemia, lymphoma of any type or other malignant neoplasms affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic systems; primary or acquired immunodeficiency; active untreated tuberculosis; family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency, until immune competence of potential vaccine recipient is demonstrated.

Exception: Vaccinate asymptomatic children with HIV infection.

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS & CHILDREN: SC 0.5 ml. Optimal schedule: Give first dose at 12–15 mo; revaccinate routinely at 5–6 yr or 11–12 yr.

 Interactions

Human antibody products: To avoid inactivating vaccine, give MMR 2–4 wk before or 3–11 mo after AGIV, depending on dose. Susceptible postpartum women who received blood products or Rho(D) immune globulin may receive rubella vaccine prior to discharge, provided that rubella titer is measured 6–8 wk after vaccination to ensure seroconversion. Immunosuppressants, interferon, meningococcal vaccine: May inhibit response to MMR vaccine.

 Lab Test Interferences May cause delayed hypersensitivity skin tests (eg, tuberculin, histoplasmin) o appear falsely negative. Effect may persist for several weeks after vaccination. Methacoline inhalation challenge may be falsely positive for a few days.

 Adverse Reactions

CNS: Fever; headache; encephalitis; dizziness; polyneuritis; arthralgia; arthritis rarely chronic); convulsions or seizures. DERM: Urticaria; rash; erythema multiforme. EENT: Sore throat; optic neuritis. GI: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea. HEMA: Thrombocytopenia; purpura. OTHER: Local pain, induration, erythema or allergic reaction at injection site; mild regional lymphadenopathy; malaise.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C (contraindicated). Lactation: Excreted in breast milk (vaccine-strain rubella). Acute febrile illness: Defer immunization during course of any acute febrile illness.

 Administration/Storage

• If patient is febrile, delay administration if possible.
• Reconstitute using supplied diluent.
• With 25-gauge -inch needle, inject total volume of reconstituted vaccine SC, preferably into outer aspect of upper arm.
• Refrigerate before and after reconstitution and protect from light.
• Discard unused reconstituted vaccine if not used within 8 hr.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note untreated tuberculosis, history of immunocompromised disease, immunosuppressive therapy, or hypersensitivity to eggs, egg products or neomycin.
• Ensure that pregnancy test has been performed on sexually active women.
• Observe for local redness and warmth at injection site.
• Monitor for fever, dizziness, arthritis or rash. Notify physician if these symptoms occur.
• Record immunization in patient's record.

 Patient/Family Education

• Advise patient that tenderness, redness, swelling and warmth at site of injection may occur.
• Applying warm compress to site will decrease these symptoms.
• Instruct patient to notify physician if local symptoms persist.
• Caution sexually active women to avoid pregnancy for 3 mo after vaccination.

Books@Ovid
Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts