Measles Virus Vaccine Live (Systemic)
Brand Names : Attenuvax
CategoryDescriptionMeasles (MEE-zills) Virus Vaccine Live is an
immunizing agent used to prevent infection by the measles virus. It works
by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the
virus. This vaccine does not protect you against German measles (Rubella).
A separate immunization is needed for that type of measles.
Measles (also known as coughing measles, hard measles, morbilli, red measles,
rubeola, and ten-day measles) is an infection that is easily spread from one
person to another. Infection with measles can lead to serious problems, such
as pneumonia, ear infections, sinus problems, convulsions (seizures), brain
damage, and possibly death. The risk of serious complications and death is
greater for adults and infants than for children and teenagers.
Immunization against measles is recommended for everyone 12 to 15 months
of age and older. In addition, there may be special reasons why children from
6 months of age up to 12 months of age may also require measles vaccine.
Immunization against measles is usually not recommended for infants up
to 12 months of age, unless the risk of their getting a measles infection
is high. This is because antibodies they received from their mothers before
birth may interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine. Children who were
immunized against measles before 12 months of age should be immunized twice
again.
You can be considered to be immune to measles only if you received two
doses of measles vaccine starting on or after your first birthday and have
the medical record to prove it, if you have a doctor's diagnosis of a previous
measles infection, or if you have had a blood test showing immunity to measles.
This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of
your doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following
dosage form:
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
Generic name product may be available in Canada.
|