Measles Virus Vaccine, Live (By injection)
MEE-zuls VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve
Prevents measles.
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Measles 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.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are using.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to measles virus vaccine, gelatin, neomycin, or eggs. Your child under one year of age should not receive this medicine, unless under your doctor’s supervision. You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant. You should not receive this medicine if you have active untreated tuberculosis (TB), any blood disorders, cancer of bone marrow, or any ongoing infection. You should not receive this medicine if you are using medicines or conditions that weaken your immune system (such as HIV or AIDS).
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had a head injury, any seizure disorder, or high fever.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have had a blood transfusion in the past three months, before you receive this vaccine.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Chest tightness or trouble breathing.
High fever.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Problems in hearing or severe ear pain.
Swelling of your feet, hands, or face.
Seizures or severe headache.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Blurred vision.
Mild skin rash or itching.
Mild headache.
Mild nausea.
Pain, redness, swelling, or a lump under your skin at the injection site.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Attenuvax
There may be other brand names for this medicine.