Doctor Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of the VNVC Vaccination System, stated that this is one of the few combined vaccines offering protection against four diseases simultaneously and suitable for adults. Produced by the US pharmaceutical company MSD, the vaccine includes added excipients and buffers to stabilize the antigens, ensuring safety and immunogenicity.

The vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 12 months and above. It can be administered as early as 9 months during outbreaks. Pregnant women should not receive the vaccine; instead, they should be vaccinated at least one month before pregnancy.

"Combined vaccines that protect against multiple diseases in a single shot reflect the advancements in modern medicine. They aim to optimize immunization schedules, reduce the number of injections, and provide comprehensive protection for children and adults," said Doctor Chinh.

The MMRV vaccine has been administered in nearly 60 countries, with over 66 million doses given. Clinical trials show that the vaccine is 99% effective after two doses, equivalent to receiving separate vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.

Currently, the vaccine costs over 2.4 million dong per dose. Children aged 12 months and older, as well as adults, require two doses administered three months apart, with a minimum interval of one month. Women should complete the vaccination schedule at least one month before pregnancy. The vaccine can also be used to complete the vaccination course for those who have previously received separate measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox vaccines.

Thien Trang brings her 4-year-old daughter for the measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox vaccination at VNVC Hoang Van Thu, TP HCM on the morning of 18/9. Photo: Moc Thao

Thien Trang brings her 4-year-old daughter for the measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox vaccination at VNVC Hoang Van Thu, TP HCM on the morning of 18/9. Photo: Moc Thao

Chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can spread rapidly, potentially leading to outbreaks and severe complications in children, adults, and pregnant women.

Chickenpox, characterized by blisters on the skin, typically peaks between February and June each year. Measles, common in winter and spring, experiences major outbreaks every 4 to 5 years and is characterized by a red rash. Mumps occurs year-round, causing swelling and pain in the salivary glands in the cheeks, neck, or jaw, with adults often experiencing more severe symptoms than children. Rubella presents with a rash spreading from the head to the face and body, causing serious complications in pregnant women, such as birth defects, stillbirth, or miscarriage.

Vietnam currently offers separate measles and chickenpox vaccines, as well as the combined MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella. This is the first vaccine to combine protection against all four diseases. VNVC representatives hope that this new vaccine will offer an additional option for disease prevention, providing broader protection for children and adults against these four diseases.

Gia Nghi