Increasing coverage and efficiency of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and introducing universal varicella vaccination in Europe: a role for the combined vaccine

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2007 Jul;26(7):632-8. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3180616c8f.

Abstract

Universal mass vaccination according to a 2-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine schedule is recommended by the World Health Organization and is fundamental to the control of these important diseases. Very high coverage (first dose, > or =95%; second dose, > or =80%) is necessary to achieve and sustain high population immunity, and eventually interrupt indigenous transmission of these diseases. In 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued a recommendation for 2 doses of varicella vaccine to be given universally to children. Coadministration of MMR and varicella vaccines, though efficacious and well tolerated, can be difficult because of the 2 separate injections and associated compliance issues. In addition to the general advantages of a combined vaccine, recently registered measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines could facilitate introduction of varicella universal mass vaccination by simplifying administration and providing the potential to achieve high coverage rates for these 4 diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chickenpox Vaccine / administration & dosage
  • Chickenpox Vaccine / immunology*
  • Europe
  • Humans
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / administration & dosage
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / immunology*

Substances

  • Chickenpox Vaccine
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine