DESCRIPTION
Measles vaccine, live, attenuated (Freeze-dried) is prepared from the Edmonston strain measles virus which has been further attenuated by twenty two passages on human diploid cells (HDC) and is known as the Edmonston-Zagreb strain. The virus in the final vaccine is also propagated on HDC and is from the second cell culture passage from the seed virus. The vaccine is lyophilized and is provided with diluent. The product has the appearance of a yellowish-white dry cake. The vaccine meets the requirements of WHO when tested by the methods outlined in WHO, TRS 840 (1994).

POTENCY
Each single human dose when reconstituted in a volume of 0.5ml contains not less than 1000 CCID ₅₀ of live virus particles. Stability data has shown that the vaccine retains the potency of 1000 CCID ₅₀ per dose after 1 week at 37°C.

INDICATIONS
For active immunization against measles. A single dose of measles vaccine is sufficient to provide prolonged immunity to infection. In countries where the incidence and mortality from measles is high in the first year of life, the recommended age for immunization against measles is as soon as possible after 9 months of age (270 days). Countries where measles is less of a problem may decide on a later date for immunization. The vaccine is also recommended for use in children and adolescents with no evidence of vaccination or measles infection. The vaccine can also be administered to children and adolescents who have been vaccinated before or have had measles infection earlier. Measles vaccine can be safely and effectively given simultaneously with DTP, DT, TT, Td, BCG, Polio vaccine (OPV and IPV), Haemophilus influenzae type b, Hepatitis B and Yellow fever vaccine and vitamin A supplementation.

APPLICATION AND DOSAGE.
The vaccine should be reconstituted only with the diluent supplied (Sterile water for injection) using a sterile syringe and needle. With gentle shaking the dried cake is easily dissolved. After reconstitution the vaccine should be used immediately. A single dose of 0.5 ml should be administered by deep subcutaneous injection into the anterolateral aspect of upper thigh in infants and upper arm in older children. If the vaccine is not used immediately then it should be stored in the dark at 2-8°C for no longer than 6 hours. Any opened container remaining at the end of a session (within six hours of reconstitution) should be discarded.

The dilutent supplied is specially designed for use with the vaccine. Only this dilutent must be used to reconstitute the vaccine. Do not use diluents from other types of vaccine or for Measles vaccine from other manufacturers. Water for injection must 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 should be kept cool.
The diluent and reconstituted vaccine should be inspected visually for any foreign particulate matter and / or variation of physical aspects prior to administration. In the event of either being observed, discard the diluent or reconstituted vaccine.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The measles vaccine may cause within 24 hours of vaccination mild pain and tenderness at the injection site. In most cases, they spontaneously resolve within two or three days without further medical attention. A mild fever can occur in 5-15% of vaccinees 7 to 12 days after vaccination and last for 1-2 days. Rash occurs in approximately 2% of recipients, usually starting 7-10 days after vaccination and lasting 2 days. The mild side effects occur less frequently after the second dose of a measles-containing vaccine and tend to occur only in persons not protected by the first dose. Encephalitis has been reported following measles vaccination at a frequency of approximately one case per million doses administered although a casual link is not proven.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Due to the risk of inactivation, the measles vaccine should not be given within the 6 week, and if it is possible the 3 months, after an injection of immunoglobulins or blood product containing immunoglobulins (blood plasma). For the same reason immunoglobulins should not be administered within two weeks after the vaccination. Tuberculin positive individuals may transitionally become tuberculin negative after vaccination.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS
There are few contraindications to the administration of measles vaccine. Individuals receiving corticosteroids, other immuno-suppressive drugs or undergoing radio-therapy may not develop an optimal immune response. The vaccine should not be given in acute infectious diseases, leukaemia, severe anaemia and other severe diseases of the blood system, severe impairment of the renal function, decompensated heart disease, following administration of gammaglobulin or blood transfusions.
Low grade fever, mild respiratory infections or diarrhoea, and other minor illness should not be considered as contraindications. It is particularly important to immunize children with malnutrition. Since the effect of the live measles vaccine on the fetus is not known, it is also contraindicated in pregnancy.

HIV INFECTION -
Measles vaccine may be used in children with known or suspected HIV infection. Although the data are limited and further studies are being encouraged, there is no evidence to date of any increased rate of adverse reactions using this or other measles vaccines in symptomatic or asymptomatic HIV- infected children. Measles vaccine should be avoided in other cell-mediated immune deficiency states.

STORAGE
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROTECT BOTH THE LYOPHILIZED AND RECONSTITUTED VACCINE FROM THE LIGHT. The vaccine should be stored in the dark at 2-8°C . For long term storage a temperature of - 20°C is recommended for the lyophilised vaccine. Protect from light. The diluent should not be frozen, but should be kept cool.

SHELF LIFE
24 months from date of last satisfactory potency test, if stored in a dark place at a temperature between 2-8°C.

PRESENTATION
1 Dose vial plus diluent (0.5ml)
2 Dose vial plus diluent (1 ml)
5 Dose vial plus diluent (2.5 ml)
10 Dose vial plus diluent (5 ml)