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Priorix (MMR Vaccine)

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Generic Name: Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine live
Product Name: Priorix

Indication

Priorix is used to prevent measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). The vaccine is sometimes called MMR vaccine.

Action

Priorix works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against measles, mumps and rubella which are all infectious diseases caused by viruses.

Dose advice

Dose information

How Priorix is given

Priorix comes as a powder which is mixed with sterile water before it is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into upper leg muscle for babies under 12 months or into the upper arm muscle for babies over 12 months, older children and adults. Priorix should never be given into a vein.

Some people can feel dizzy or lightheaded after the vaccine is given. This can affect your ability to drive or operate any machinery. Do not drive or use machines after you have been given Priorix unless you are sure you are not affected.

It is recommended that you remain in the clinic for approximately 15 mins after receiving the injection as there is a risk of allergic reactions occurring and this can include rashes that may be itchy or blistering, swelling of the eyes and face, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.


Dose

Priorix is generally given as a single 0.5mL dose. The same dose is used for children and adults.

The first dose of Priorix is generally given to children at 12 months of age. A second dose is then administered to children at 4-6 years of age; preferably before commencement at school. If your child misses a scheduled dose, talk to your doctor or nurse and arrange another visit as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about Priorix, ask your doctor.

Contraindications

Priorix is not recommended if you are:

  • Pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next three months;
  • Have had an allergic reaction to a previous measles, mumps and/or rubella vaccines;
  • Have an allergy to any ingredients that are contained in the Priorix vaccine;
  • If your child has an allergy to neomycin;
  • If you or your child have a lowered immunity (impaired immune response);
  • If you or your child currently have a severe infection with a high temperature.

If you are not sure, talk to your doctor.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you:


  • Are scheduled for a tuberculin skin test for tuberculosis (TB) as Priorix may affect the results;
  • If you or your child had had a previous allergic reaction to Priorix, another MMR vaccine or any ingredient contained in the vaccine;
  • If you or your child has had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or anything containing eggs;
  • If you or your child has a severe infection with a high temperature;
  • If you or your child have received another vaccine in the last month;
  • If you or your child has received an blood or plasma transfusion, or been given gamma globulin or other immunoglobulin within the last 3 months;
  • If you or your child are taking any prescription or OTC (over the counter) medicines;
  • If you or your child has had a side effect after vaccination against measles, mumps or rubella that involved easy bruising or bleeding for longer than usual;
  • If you or your child have fainted with a previous injection;
  • If you or your child has a skin allergy to neomycin;
  • If you have a history or family history of allergic diseases, fits or seizures;
  • If you have a bleeding disorder
  • If you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant in the next 3 months or breastfeeding;
  • If you have a lowered immunity due to other medical conditions or HIV.

Other medications

Tell your doctor if you or your child are taking any prescription or OTC (over the counter medication) or have received another vaccine within the last month. This is important as some vaccines and other medication may affect Priorix.

Pregnancy

Priorix should not be given to pregnant women. It is recommended that women should avoid becoming pregnant for three months after the vaccine has been given.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Priorix affects breast milk. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits of vaccination.

Storage

Priorix is stored in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C at the clinic or surgery where you are being treated.

Schedule

Priorix is a Schedule S4 (prescription only) medication.

Side effects

All medicines can have side effects. Most commonly the side effects are minor; however, some can be more serious. Usually the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the associated side effects. Your doctor would have considered these side effects before giving you the Priorix injection.

Very common side effects

Very common side effects are those that occur in more than 10% of people given the Priorix vaccine. These include:


  • Pain and redness at the injection site;
  • Fever.

Common side effects

Common side effects are those that occur in 1–10% of people given the Priorix vaccine. These include:

  • Swelling at the injection site;
  • Headache or fever;
  • Rash with spots and/or blisters;
  • Upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, cough or runny nose;
  • Sore throat and/or discomfort when swallowing;
  • Infection of the middle ear;
  • Viral infection;
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting.

Uncommon side effects

Side effects that occur in less than 1% of people given the Priorix vaccine are considered uncommon:

  • Allergic reactions;
  • Tiredness (fatigue), dizziness or feeling generally unwell;
  • Toothache or swelling of the mouth and throat;
  • Loss of appetite or nausea;
  • Stomach pain or discomfort;
  • Abnormal crying;
  • Not being able to sleep (insomnia);
  • Discharge with itching of the eyes and crusty eyelids (conjunctivitis);
  • Swollen glands in the cheek, neck, armpit or groin;
  • Itchiness;
  • Cold sores or shingles;
  • Harsh breathing sounds or pneumonia;
  • Nose bleeds.

Rare side effects

Rare side effects are those that occur in 0.01–0.1% of people given the Priorix vaccine. These include

  • Seizures with fever.

If you experience any of the listed side effects, or any other symptoms that appear abnormal or unusual, tell your doctor. Do not try to treat side effects by using other medicines.

Related Documents

pdf download CMI

 

More information

Doctor giving a child an intramuscular injection in arm, shallow DOFFor more information on the vaccines available to protect against Measles, Mumps and Rubella, as well as the administration, side effects and components of each vaccine, see Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine.

References

  1. Consumer Medical Information. Priorix, Abbotsford, VIC: GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd; 23 October 2014.

 

Diseases prevented by this vaccine:


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Dates

Posted On: 30 May, 2015
Modified On: 20 October, 2015

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