Measles Vaccines March 2023
Measles vaccination programs started in the U.S. in 1963 and continue in 2023. As of March 24, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the measles vaccination schedules for children, adults, and international travelers visiting measles-outbreak areas such as India.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the intramuscular route of administration for M-M-R®II and ProQuad® on March 6, 2023. In addition, the FDA recently approved the Priorix vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) in individuals one year and older. The U.S. CDC stated on November 18, 2022, the Priorx and M-M-R II® vaccines are considered fully interchangeable, including for all off-label recommended uses. In addition, the CDC reported on January 13, 2023, nationally, 2-dose MMR coverage was 93.5% (range = 78% [Alaska] to 98% [New York]) during the 2020–21 school year.
Measles Vaccines 2023
M-M-R®II - The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live (M-M-R II) is approved by the U.S. FDA for use in people 12 months and older. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is about 93% effective.
Proquad® - Children ages 1 through 12 may also get the Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Virus Vaccine (MMRV). This FDA-approved vaccine also prevents chickenpox.
Priorix - Is licensed in the USA and over 100 countries for use in individuals aged 9 or 12 months, according to a 1- or 2-dose schedule, depending on the country. Priorix protects people against MMR. The CDC's MMR Vaccine Work Group presented: Overview of Measles by Ms. Lynn Bahta and Overview of GSK's Priorix MMR Vaccine by Remon Abu-Elyazeed, MD, Ph.D., U.S. Vaccines Medical and Clinical Affairs.
Tresivac - This vaccine is available in India to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. Serum Institute of India Ltd is the manufacturer.
Shanghai Institute of Biological Products released about 42 million MMR doses in China in 2020.
Bio-MMR vaccine is offered in Brazil.
India MMR vaccine is offered to children.
MeasBio® (Biovac) in South Africa.
Measles Vaccine Price
According to the U.S. CDC, measles vaccine prices range from $87.31 to $250.02 as of 2023. Additional measles vaccine prices and discount information are posted at InstantRx™.
Measles Treatment
The CDC says since there are no approved treatments, people exposed to measles who cannot readily show that they have evidence of immunity against it should be offered post-exposure prophylaxis to potentially provide protection or modify the clinical course of the disease, either administering a measles vaccine within 72 hours or immunoglobulin (IG) within six days of exposure. However, do not simultaneously administer a vaccine and IG, as this practice invalidates the vaccine.
Separately, the WHO says children diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, given 24 hours apart. In 2002, research indicated that vitamin A given for two days was associated with a reduced risk of overall mortality and pneumonia-specific mortality.
Measles Vaccine News 2023
March 23, 2023 - Utah confirms unvaccinated international traveler was infected with measles.
March 21, 2023 - Measles Round-Up: Why Vaccination Matters.
February 14, 2023 - The U.S. CDC updated its Global Measles Outbreaks list, indicating India had confirmed about 32,000 measles cases last year.
February 4, 2023 - The Columbus, Ohio Department of Health tweeted the multi-month measles outbreak was declared ended.
January 16, 2023 - Jefferson County Public Schools in western Kentucky conducts measles vaccination clinics for about 10,000 under-vaccinated students at several schools.
Measles Outbreaks 2023
According to the CDC, the U.S. has maintained its measles-free elimination status for over twenty years. Measles outbreak news for 2023 is posted at this Vax-Before-Travel link.
