title: IAP perspectives on measles and rubella elimination strategies.
abstract: The Academy's Expert group on Immunization has discussed various issues pertaining to rubella vaccine introduction in to the Universal Immunization Program. Though the move to introduce rubella vaccine in to the UIP is laudable, the decision to overlook mumps seems inexplicable and illogical. Logistics also support the use of measles-mump and rubella (MMR) vaccine instead of measles-rubella (MR) vaccine. Regarding the timing of administration of MMR/MR vaccine, the academy recommends that the vaccine should be given early to have much higher coverage than introducing it late at the time of 1st booster of DPT. According to available evidence, both these vaccines (MMR/MR) can be given safely at different ages including at 9 months of age. The second dose should also be of the same antigen (MMR/MR) and be given along with 1st DPT booster at 16-24 months of age.
authors.affiliation: Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) Correspondence to: Dr Vipin M Vashishtha, Convener, IAP Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices, Mangla Hospital and Research Center, Shakti Chowk, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, 246 701, India. vipinipsita@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Vipin M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Vashishtha
authors.forename: Vijay N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Yewale
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Bansal
authors.forename: Pravin J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D032541:Mass Vaccination; D008457:Measles / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009107:Mumps / Q000517:prevention & control; D010372:Pediatrics; D012409:Rubella / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine