Measles immunization with further attenuated heat-stable measles vaccine using five different methods of administration

Abstract

Further attenuated heat-stable measles vaccine Attenuvax was administered randomly to 109 children using five different methods and a control group (24). Vaccine administration by syringe and needle (0.5 ml) and by jet-injector (0.1 ml) resulted in a high percentage of significant HAI measles antibody titres (greater than or equal to 1:24). Vaccine administration by nose drops (0.5 ml), bifurcated needle or needle planted cylinder did not yield satisfactory levels of serum antibody. Morbidity measured over a period of four weeks after administration showed a moderate increase of respiratory symptoms over the controls. Children who showed a positive tuberculin PPD reaction after BCG immunization did not differ from children with a negative tuberculin reaction in regard to their ability to produce a Kenya. The aim was to find a simpler method of administration of this improved vaccine, suitable for community health workers. The vaccine was shown to be less stable under field conditions than suggested by previous reports.