Rubavax-M

Indications

Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine is given to protect against two infections caused by viruses: measles, which causes fever, rash, cough and can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling and death, and rubella (German measles), which is usually mild but can cause serious birth defects if a woman catches it during pregnancy. It is used in routine childhood immunisation, in vaccination campaigns and for non-immune adolescents and adults, including women before pregnancy.

How It Works

The vaccine contains live but weakened (attenuated) measles and rubella viruses. They cannot cause the real illness in healthy people, but they teach the immune system to make antibodies and memory cells. If the person is later exposed to the real viruses, the body recognises and fights them quickly.

Dosage and Administration

The vaccine is given by a doctor, nurse or trained vaccinator as an injection under the skin, usually in the upper arm or thigh. The number of doses and the ages at which they are given follow the national immunisation schedule set by health authorities (in Bangladesh, through the EPI programme) or as advised by the doctor. Keep your vaccination card and bring it to every visit.

Interactions

• Immunoglobulins and blood transfusions: can stop the vaccine working, so the vaccine is usually delayed for some months afterwards.
• Medicines that weaken the immune system, such as high-dose steroids, cancer treatment or transplant medicines: the vaccine is usually not given.
• Other live vaccines: can be given on the same day or at least 4 weeks apart.
• Tuberculin skin test: the vaccine may make it falsely negative for a few weeks.

Contraindications

The vaccine should not be given to people who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any component such as Neomycin or gelatin, people with a severely weakened immune system (for example, from leukaemia, lymphoma, advanced HIV or high-dose immune-suppressing treatment), or pregnant women. Vaccination is postponed during a high fever or serious illness.

Side Effects

Common reactions include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site and mild fever. About 1 to 2 weeks later some people get a short fever, mild rash, swollen glands or joint pain, which is more common in adult women and usually settles on its own. Rarely, a fit linked to fever or a temporary drop in platelets can occur.

Get urgent medical help if, after vaccination, there is difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a widespread itchy rash or fainting (signs of a severe allergic reaction), a fit, a very high fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, or a child who is unusually drowsy or hard to wake.

Pregnancy and Lactation

The vaccine must not be given during pregnancy. Women should avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after vaccination. Accidental vaccination during pregnancy is not a reason to end the pregnancy, but tell your doctor. The vaccine can be given to breastfeeding mothers.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell the vaccinator about any allergies, fits, immune problems, recent blood products or pregnancy. Wait at the vaccination centre for about 30 minutes after the injection so that any allergic reaction can be treated. Fever after vaccination can be eased with Paracetamol if advised.

Overdose

Overdose is very unlikely because each dose is measured and given by a health worker. If an extra dose is given by mistake, the health worker will advise; no special treatment is usually needed.

Therapeutic Class

Vaccine, live attenuated viral (measles and rubella).

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, protected from light, as directed on the pack. Once mixed, use within the time stated on the pack. The vaccine is stored and handled by the vaccination centre.