Measles vaccine
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A child is given a measles vaccine.
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| Vaccine description | |
|---|---|
| Target disease | Measles |
| Type | Attenuated virus |
| Clinical data | |
| MedlinePlus | a601176 |
| ATC code | |
| Identifiers | |
| ChemSpider |
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Measles vaccine is a vaccine that is very effective at preventing measles. After one dose 85% of children nine months of age and 95% over twelve months of age are immune. Nearly all of those who do not develop immunity after a single dose develop it after a second dose. When rates of vaccination within a population are greater than 93% outbreaks of measles typically no longer occur; however, they may occur again if rates of vaccination decrease. The vaccine's effectiveness lasts many years. It is unclear if it becomes less effective over time. The vaccine may also protect against the disease if given within a couple of days of being exposed.
The vaccine is generally safe including in those with HIV infections. Side effects are usually mild and short lived. This may include pain at the site of injection or mild fever. Anaphylaxis has been documented in about one per hundred thousand people. Rates of Guillain–Barré syndrome, autism and inflammatory bowel disease do not appear to be increased.
The vaccine is available both by itself and in combination with other vaccines. This includes with the rubella vaccine and mumps vaccine to make the MMR vaccine, first made available in 1971. The addition of the varicella vaccine against chickenpox to these three in 2005 gave the MMRV vaccine. The vaccine works equally well in all formulations. The World Health Organization recommends it be given at nine months of age in areas of the world where the disease is common. In areas where the disease is not common, giving it at twelve months is reasonable. It is a vaccine based on a live but weakened strain of measles. It comes as a dried powder which needs to be mixed with a specific liquid before being given either just under the skin or into a muscle. Verification that the vaccine was effective can be determined by blood tests.
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