What are Measles and Rubella?

• Composition: The MR vaccine is prepared from live, attenuated strains of the Measles virus (CAM-70 Tanabe strain, propagated in chicken embryo fibroblast cells) and the rubella virus (Wistar RA 27/3 strain, propagated in MRC 5 cells).
• Physical Description: It is a lyophilized preparation that appears as a white to light yellow compact cake, provided with a diluent (0.9% w/v Sodium Chloride Injection I.P.). It meets the requirements of IP and WHO.
• Reconstituted Dose (0.5 mL): Contains $\ge1000\text{ CCID}_{50}$ of Measles virus and $\ge1000\text{ CCID}_{50}$ of Rubella virus.

Indication

For active immunization against measles and rubella in children aged 9–59 months, regardless of previous vaccination status, during the Botswana Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign in November 2026.

Contraindications

• A previous allergic reaction to measles or the MR vaccine.
• Persons with a history of an anaphylactic reaction to any components of the vaccine.
• Persons who are severely immunocompromised due to congenital disease, HIV infection, advanced leukaemia or lymphoma, serious malignant disease, treatment with high-dose steroids, alkylating agents, or anti-metabolites, or those receiving immunosuppressive therapeutic radiation.

Warnings and Safety Precautions

• Low-grade fever, mild respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and other minor illnesses should not be considered contraindications.
• It is particularly important to immunize children with malnutrition.
• Children with known or suspected HIV infection are at increased risk of severe measles and should be offered the measles vaccine as early as possible.
• Ensure the vaccine is administered by the subcutaneous route only.
• In the event of suspected anaphylaxis, administer adrenaline as per current Botswana guidelines.

Interactions and Co-administration

• Blood Products / Immunoglobulins: Should not be given within 6 weeks (and if possible, 3 months) after an injection of immunoglobulins or blood products containing immunoglobulins (blood, plasma) due to the risk of inactivation. Conversely, immunoglobulins should not be administered within two weeks after vaccination.
• Simultaneous Administration: Can be safely and effectively given simultaneously with DTP, DT, TT, Td, BCG, Polio vaccine (OPV and IPV), Haemophilus influenzae type b, Hepatitis B, Yellow fever vaccine, and vitamin A supplementation.
• Tuberculin Testing: Tuberculin-positive individuals may transitionally become tuberculin-negative after vaccination.

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