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Measles–Mumps–Rubella–Varicella Combination Vaccine (ProQuad®): A Guide to Its Use in Children in the EU

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Abstract

In the EU, the live attenuated, tetravalent measles–mumps–rubella–varicella vaccine ProQuad® is indicated for simultaneous vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella in individuals from 12 months of age using a two-dose schedule and may be used in infants from 9 months of age to conform with a national vaccination schedule, outbreak situations or travel to a region with a high prevalence of measles. Clinical data in young children indicates that vaccination with ProQuad® is as immunogenic as the component vaccines, provides long-term protection against these potentially serious childhood infections and has an acceptable safety profile. Combining the viral strains of the measles–mumps–rubella vaccine M–M–RVAXPRO® and the varicella vaccine Varivax® in ProQuad® reduces the complexity of vaccination schedules, thereby potentially improving vaccination coverage and the timeliness of vaccination.

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Disclosure

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the author the basis of scientific and editorial merit. Lesley J. Scott is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer.

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Correspondence to Lesley J. Scott.

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The manuscript was reviewed by: S. Saluja, Saran Ashram Hospital, Dayalbagh, Agar, India; M. Petras, Charles University of Prague, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.

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Scott, L.J. Measles–Mumps–Rubella–Varicella Combination Vaccine (ProQuad®): A Guide to Its Use in Children in the EU. Pediatr Drugs 17, 167–174 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-015-0123-7

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