Priorix

How does it work?

MMR vaccine contains a mixture of live, attenuated (weakened) measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) viruses. It works by provoking the body's immune response, without causing the diseases. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as active immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. Each organism stimulates the production of a specific type of antibody, therefore different vaccines are required for each disease. This combination vaccine provides immunity against measles, mumps and German measles (rubella). It is given in two doses as part of the childhood vaccination schedule; the first dose is given at age 12–15 months, and a second (booster) dose is given before the child starts school at three to five years of age. The vaccine can also be given to adults susceptible to these diseases. There have been many scare stories in the media recently over a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism or bowel disease. However, the Medical Research Council in the UK has reviewed all the current evidence and research regarding the use of the vaccine and has concluded that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and these disorders. Because latest research has shown no connection, the Chief Medical Officer has advised that the MMR vaccine is the safest and best way to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella, and recommends that all children are given the vaccine at the appropriate time. Over 500 million doses of MMR have been used in over 90 countries around the world since the early 1970s, and no country in the world recommends giving MMR vaccine as three separate injections. The World Health Organisation states that MMR is a highly effective vaccine with an outstanding safety record. If you are concerned about your child receiving the vaccine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who will be happy to give you further information on this matter and discuss the risks and benefits of giving or not giving the vaccine. A lot of helpful information can also be found at www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk

What is it used for?

Vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella

Warning!

Children under 12 months of age should not normally be given this vaccine because they may not respond adequately to it if they still have antibodies passed on by the mother. If it is necessary to give the vaccine to a child under 12 months because they are at special risk, the child should receive a second dose at 15 months and a further booster dose at the normal time.

Children who had a side effect within six weeks of receiving a previous MMR vaccine that involved easy bruising or bleeding for longer than normal (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) should have a test to measure the levels of antibodies in their blood before they are given a second dose of the vaccine. If the tests shows that the child is not fully immune to measles, mumps and rubella it is recommended that the second MMR dose is given.

Use with caution in

Allergy to eggs

Conditions in which fever should be avoided

History of brain damage

HIV infection

Personal or family history of convulsions

Personal or family history of epilepsy

Not to be used in

Abnormalities in the numbers of blood cells in the blood (blood dyscrasias)

Active, untreated tuberculosis

People with decreased defences against disease or infection (impaired immune response) due to disease or treatment

Pregnancy

Previous extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any of vaccine constituents

Previous extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the antibiotic neomycin

Sudden feverish illness

Untreated malignant or cancerous disease

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This vaccine must not be given during pregnancy. Women who receive this vaccine should use adequate contraceptive measures to prevent pregnancy for at least one month following the vaccination. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

If breastfeeding women are given this vaccine there is a chance that the virus may pass into the breast milk and be transmitted to the nursing infant. The vaccine should only be given to breastfeeding women if the expected benefit is greater than the possible risk to the infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Diarrhoea

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Seizures (convulsions)

Fever (pyrexia)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Sore throat

Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Inflammation of the salivary (parotid) glands

Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia)

Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)

Irritability

Fitting associated with fever (febrile convulsions)

A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)

Pain in the muscles and joints

Pain, swelling, redness and hardening of the skin at the injection site

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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