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Comparative evaluation of measles, mumps & rubella vaccine at 9 & 15 months of age
Sangita Yadav1, Richa Thukral, Anita Chakarvarti
1Department of Paediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. Sangita_yadav@hotmail.com
Background & Objectives:
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) contribute to significant amount of mortality and morbidity in our country. Though MMR vaccine has been a part of immunization schedule in the developed countries, it is yet to be included in our national immunization schedule. Hence this study was conducted to assess the serological status of measles, mumps and rubella in young children and to evaluate the seroconversion of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at 9 and 15 months of age.
Methods:
The cohort study was carried out at the out patient department of a tertiary care hospital in north India. A total of 240 normal children, 120 each in the age group 9-10 and 15-18 months attending the hospital for immunization were enrolled for the study. None of them had been vaccinated with MMR vaccine in the past, or gave any history of measles, mumps or rubella infection, or were on any immunosuppressive agent. The pre-vaccination blood sample was taken and each child was administered a single dose of trivalent MMR vaccine. The post-vaccination sample was taken 6-8 wk later. The paired serum samples were analysed for the presence of measles, mumps and rubella antibodies using commercially available ELISA kits.
Results:
Of the 120 infants in the age group of 9-10 months, 102 (85%) were seronegative for measles and 96 (80%) were seronegative for both mumps and rubella. Following MMR vaccination, 102 infants came for post vaccination sampling of which 92 per cent were seropositive for measles, 100 per cent for mumps and 98 per cent for rubella. In the age group of 15-18 months, of the 120 children, 67 (56%) were seronegative for measles, 84 (70%) for mumps and 86 (71.6%) for rubella. In 50 per cent of the children, there was a history of measles immunization at 9 months of age. After MMR vaccination, 100 children came for post vaccination sampling and seropositivity of 92, 96 and 94 per cent was observed for measles, mumps and rubella, respectively. The rise in the pre- and post-immunization geometrical mean titre was significant (P < 0.05) for each component of the vaccine in both the age groups.
Interpretation & Conclusion:
The MMR vaccine can be offered safely and with equal efficacy to children at 9 and 15 months of age.
Insights
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective for children at both 9 and 15 months of age. This study assessed serological status and vaccine response in young children, finding high seroconversion rates for all three diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) pose significant health risks, contributing to mortality and morbidity.
- The MMR vaccine is standard in developed countries but not yet in the national immunization schedule of the study region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the serological status of measles, mumps, and rubella in young children.
- To evaluate the seroconversion rates of the MMR vaccine administered at 9 and 15 months of age.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 240 children (9-10 and 15-18 months) in North India.
- Pre- and post-vaccination serum samples were analyzed for MMR antibodies using ELISA kits after a single MMR vaccine dose.
- Children with no prior MMR vaccination or history of infection were enrolled.
Main Results:
- In the 9-10 month group, post-vaccination seropositivity was 92% for measles, 100% for mumps, and 98% for rubella.
- In the 15-18 month group, post-vaccination seropositivity was 92% for measles, 96% for mumps, and 94% for rubella.
- A significant rise in geometric mean titre was observed for all MMR components post-vaccination in both age groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The MMR vaccine demonstrates safety and equal efficacy when administered to children at 9 and 15 months of age.
- These findings support the inclusion of the MMR vaccine in the national immunization schedule at these ages.
