Vaccination against measles, rubella, and mumps: Priorix, MMR VAX Pro

Measles is a serious viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets. It spreads rapidly — without specific immunity, 95% out of 100 people in close proximity to an infected individual will contract the virus. Measles primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and lungs, which can lead to laryngitis, prolonged bronchitis, and severe pneumonia. In unvaccinated individuals, measles weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to recurrent respiratory infections.

Rubella is an equally dangerous, fast-spreading viral infection that is also transmitted by airborne droplets. Rubella can be either congenital or acquired. Congenital rubella occurs when the virus is transmitted to the fetus through the placenta from an infected, often unvaccinated, mother during early pregnancy. This can result in fetal death, miscarriage, or severe birth defects such as deafness, cataracts, and various heart and brain abnormalities.

Acquired rubella in children manifests as a fine red rash, lymphatic system involvement, and symptoms of intoxication. Adults experience a more severe form of the disease, characterized by high fever, runny nose, throat irritation, persistent dry cough, swollen cervical and occipital lymph nodes, joint and muscle pain, and a widespread rash.

Epidemic parotitis (mumps) is a viral infection transmitted via airborne droplets. It causes severe intoxication, inflammation of the salivary glands, and can affect the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation. Mumps may also result in pancreatitis and orchitis in boys (inflammation of the testicles), which often leads to infertility.

Currently, two modern vaccines are used internationally to prevent these infections: the Belgian vaccine Priorix and the American MMR VAX Pro.

Priorix

“Priorix” is a Belgian combination live attenuated vaccine designed to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine contains weakened pathogens of these three diseases.

Indications for “Priorix”

• Primary and booster immunization for children aged 12 months to 15 years, according to national vaccination schedules
• Booster vaccination for adults who lack immunity to measles, mumps, or rubella
• Situations of high epidemiological risk in certain regions

Mechanism of action

“Priorix” induces a natural immune response to the introduced attenuated viruses. After vaccination, the immune system starts producing a defense mechanism against each of the three viruses. The weakened viruses stimulate the immune system, activating T and B cells, which leads to the formation of specific antibodies that circulate in the blood. Long-term protection is ensured through immune memory, allowing the body to respond quickly upon future exposure to these pathogens.

“Priorix-Tetra” is an innovative variant of the vaccine designed to protect against four infections: measles, rubella, mumps, and chickenpox.

“Priorix” is widely used worldwide, particularly in European Union countries. Vaccination is administered in private medical institutions, pediatric clinics, and vaccination centers. The vaccine is safe and effective, significantly reducing the incidence of measles, mumps, and rubella globally.

MMR VAX Pro

MMR VAX Pro is a combination live vaccine designed to prevent three viral infections: measles, rubella, and mumps. It contains attenuated live viruses of these diseases, enabling the body to develop a natural immune response without the risk of contracting the illness.

Indications for “MMR VAX Pro”

• Primary and booster immunization for children aged 12 months to 15 years, according to national vaccination schedules
• Booster vaccination for adults who lack immunity to measles, mumps, or rubella
• Situations of high epidemiological risk in certain regions

Mechanism of action

The vaccine works by active immunization, “training” the immune system. Upon introduction of attenuated viruses, the immune response is triggered, leading to the production of specific antibodies and the development of immune memory, ensuring long-term protection.

MMR VAX Pro is commonly used in medical institutions across the USA, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom and has successfully prevented the spread of measles, rubella, and mumps in these countries.