MR vaccine, vial of 5 doses

General Description:
MR vaccine, vial of 5 doses

The vaccine is a freeze-dried powder containing two viruses - measles and rubella. It must be reconstituted only with the sterile diluent provided for that purpose.

a) The measles vaccine component is an attenuated live virus vaccine.
b) The rubella vaccine component is an attenuated live virus vaccine.

For information on product specifications, refer to the WHO website on

https://www.who.int/immunization_standards /vaccine_quality/PQ_vaccine_list_en/en/

Administration:
Immunization consists of a single dose of 0.5 ml injected percutaneously (subcutaneous or intra-muscular), preferably in the upper arm. A sterile needle and sterile syringe must be used for each injection. Because of sensitivity to ultraviolet light, avoid exposing the vaccine to sunlight. Once the vaccine has been reconstituted, it should be used the same day (preferably immediately, but by no means beyond six (6) hours of reconstitution), and only then if the vial has been maintained between +2°C and +8°C and protected from sunlight. Any opened container remaining at the end of a session (within six hours of reconstitution) should be discarded. The vaccine vial monitor, if present, would have been removed on reconstitution.

The diluent supplied is specially designed for use with this vaccine. Only this diluent may be used to reconstitute the vaccine. Do not use diluents from other types of vaccine or for MR vaccine from other manufacturers. Water for injection may not be used for this purpose. Using an incorrect diluent may result in damage to the vaccine and/or serious reactions to those receiving the vaccine. Diluent must not be frozen but must be cooled between +2°C and +8°C before reconstitution.

Immunization Schedule:
In countries where the incidence and mortality from measles is high in the first year of life, the recommended age for immunization using MR is at 9 months of age (270 days) or soon after. In countries where measles infection occurs later in life (due to sustained high vaccine coverage), the age of immunization can be moved to 12-15 months. A second opportunity is needed both to increase the chance that every child receives at least one dose of measles vaccine and to increase the proportion of the population that is fully immunized. The second dose of measles can be given at least one month following the first dose through routine or supplemental activities. MR vaccine can be given safely and effectively simultaneously with DTP, Td, TT, BCG, polio (OPV and IPV), haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, and yellow fever vaccines and vitamin A supplementation. The combination vaccine produces an immunological response to each antigen equal to that following
administration of the single antigen products. The safety and
immunogenicity of this combination vaccine appears to be similar to that of its individual constituents.

Transport and Storage:
The vaccine should be stored in the dark at a temperature between +2 and +8 degrees Celcius.
For long term storage a temperature of -20 degrees Celcius is
recommended for the lyophilized vaccine.
The diluent should not be frozen but should be kept cool.