A New Combined Vaccine Against Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella in India

Abstract

A quadrivalent MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) combination vaccine has recently been launched in India. This vaccine is highly immunogenic, with seroconversion rates against all antigens reaching 96.6-100% at 42 to 56 days after the second vaccine dose in unvaccinated children or in those previously vaccinated with MMR+/-V. Two doses efficacy, against all varicella is 94.1% and effectiveness reaches 91%. The most frequent solicited local adverse event after MMRV vaccine is redness, and fever is the most common solicited general symptom. Higher rates of fever and febrile convulsions compared to MMR+/-V have been reported when used as first dose but not when used as the second of a measles containing vaccine, irrespective of age of the second dose.