Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay
09:14

An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Micro-neutralization Assay

Published on: January 26, 2019

Measles, mumps and rubella immunization at nine months in a developing country

B D Schoub1, S Johnson, J M McAnerney

  • 1National Institute for Virology, Sandringham, South Africa.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|April 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

A measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine showed similar safety and effectiveness in 9-month-old and 15-month-old South African children. This suggests MMR vaccine could replace the current measles vaccine at 9 months, offering broader protection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Measles vaccination is typically administered at 9 months in South Africa.
  • The introduction of a combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine could potentially enhance public health benefits.
  • Evaluating the immunogenicity and safety of MMR vaccine in infants is crucial for policy decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the antibody responses and reactogenicity of an MMR vaccine in 9-month-old versus 15-month-old black South African children.
  • To assess the feasibility of replacing the routine 9-month measles vaccination with an MMR vaccine.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving two age groups of black children (9-month-olds and 15-month-olds) in South Africa.
  • Measurement of antibody responses to measles, mumps, and rubella components post-vaccination.
  • Assessment of vaccine reactogenicity (side effects) in both age groups.

Main Results:

  • The measles antibody response was marginally better in the 15-month-old group.
  • No significant differences in antibody responses to mumps and rubella components were observed between the groups.
  • Vaccine reactogenicity was comparable across both age groups, indicating similar safety profiles.

Conclusions:

  • A trivalent measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine can be safely and effectively administered at 9 months of age in this population.
  • Replacing routine 9-month measles vaccination with MMR could offer improved herd immunity against rubella and reduce mumps complications.
  • The cost-effectiveness of using an MMR vaccine warrants consideration for public health policy in developing countries.

More Related Videos

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)13:00

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Published on: July 31, 2021

Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen07:44

Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen

Published on: May 12, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...