MMR Vaccine

1. What is Priorix?

  • The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine which protects against Measles and Mumps in addition to Rubella
  • Priorix is GSK MMR Vaccine49

2. What is CRS? What are its complications?50-51

  • CRS stands for Congenital Rubella Syndrome. CRS arises when women get infected with the Rubella virus in the early stages of pregnancy. lnfection of the foetus occurs when the Rubella virus spreads from the placenta and enters the foetal circulation
  • CRS is associated with spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and stillbirth
  • 12-30% of women in the reproductive age-group are susceptible to Rubella infection. 85% of infants are affected, when born to women infected with Rubella during the 1.t trimester of pregnancy
  • over 100,000 cases per year of CRS occur in the developing world alone

3. What are complications of Measles in pregnancy?

  • Measles infection during pregnancy can lead to increased rates of premature labour & low birth weight52

4. What are complications of Mumps in pregnancy?

  • Mumps that occurs in pregnant women is generally benign. Like other infections, there is a theoretical risk that Mumps during the early months of pregnancy may cause complications53

5. What are the available recommendations for MMR during preconception counselling? Is MMR vaccine preferred over Rubella vaccine?

  • FOGSI GCPR on preconception care, 2016 recommends that the MMR combination vaccine. MMR is preferred over Rubella vaccine alone for the purpose of routine pre-conceptional vaccination. (Strength of recommendation: A; quality of evidence lll)55

6. Is serological screening mandatory before MMR vaccinaion?

  • As per FOGSI GCPR, 2016 women in the pre-conceptional period should be screened for rubella infection and vaccinated if non-immune. (Strength of recommendation:A; quality of evidence lll)
  • Serological testing for rubella however is not essential before vaccinating allwomen. (Strength of recommendation: B; quality of evidence lV)55

7. How long should pregnancy be avoided after vaccination with Priorix?

  • Pregnancy should be avoided for one month following vaccination with Priorix.49

8. What if women conceive within one month of MMR vaccination or is already pregnant?

  • Pregnant women should not be vaccinated. As per CDC lf a pregnant woman is inadvertently vaccinated or becomes pregnant within 4 weeks after MMR vaccination, she should be counseled about the theoretical basis of concern for the foetus; however, MMR vaccination during pregnancy should not be considered a reason to terminate pregnancy54

9. How Priorix is administered?

  • Priorix is administered by subcutaneous injection preferably; although it can also be given by intramuscular injection also, in the deltoid region or in the anterolateral area of the thigh. Please refer to prescribing information of vaccine for detailed information49