Measles Vaccines

Microarray Skin Patch Successfully Delivers Measles Vaccines

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:36:58 +0000

Reviewer:

The journal Vaccines recently reported that microarray patches (MAPs) have the potential to be a safer, more acceptable, easier-to-use, and more cost-effective means for the administration of vaccines than injection by needle and syringe.

Published on November 17, 2023, a phase 1 clinical trial found a single dose of measles and rubella (MR) vaccine delivered to adults by the Vaxxas high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) provided antibody responses comparable to the same vaccine delivered by needle and syringe.

Higher antibody responses in study participants with the lowest levels of pre-existing antibodies to MR suggest HD-MAPs could be a valuable means for delivering MR-vaccine to hard-to-reach populations and support further development. wrote these researchers.

The study, completed by the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, involved the delivery of an MR vaccine using the Vaxxas HD-MAP technology.

The trial involved 60 adult participants, 30 of whom received the HD-MAP-delivered vaccine at different doses; 15 received a comparative vaccine delivered by needle and syringe; and 15 received an HD-MAP-delivered placebo product.

Study participants receiving the MR vaccine delivered by HD-MAP showed a significant increase in neutralizing antibodies compared to placebo and a comparable response to the same comparator vaccine delivered with needle and syringe.

There was also a strong correlation between starting levels of neutralizing antibodies and the impact of the HD-MAP-delivered vaccine, with participants having the lowest levels of pre-existing antibodies to MR showing the strongest response after vaccination.

“We are incredibly pleased with the results of this groundbreaking clinical trial,” commented David Hoey, Vaxxas Chief Executive Officer, in a press release on November 27, 2023.

“Measles and rubella remain significant health concerns in many parts of the world, and we look forward to moving this product forward to later-stage clinical trials.”

The Vaxxas HD-MAP uses a high-density array of microprojections – invisible to the human eye – applied to the skin as a patch in a small applicator device.

When applied to the skin, the patch rapidly delivers the vaccine to the abundant immune cells that are naturally present immediately below the skin surface. This approach has been shown to enhance immune responses to vaccines.

The HD-MAP technology also offers the potential to eliminate or minimize the need for vaccine refrigeration during storage and transportation – easing the resource and logistics burden of maintaining the refrigerated “cold chain.”

These researchers wrote that ease of use of the HD-MAP could enable simplified administration, potentially encompassing self-administration.

Based on this data, Vaxxas is progressing toward a Phase I/II clinical trial in Africa. This planned Phase I/II, an additional Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant, will partly support the MR clinical program.

Sub Title:

High-density microarray patch empowered antibody responses comparable to needle and syringe

References:

ACTRN12621000820808

High-Density Microarray Patch: Results from a Randomized, Partially Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Phase I Clinical Trial

Vaxxas Announces Phase I Clinical Trial Data for MR Vaccine Delivered Using Patch

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High-Density Microarray Skin Patch

Ohio's Measles Outbreak Continues Expanding

Karen McClorey Hackett — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:40:24 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

The Health Department of the City of Columbas, Ohio, published an updated online report today, revealing 63 confirmed measles cases in (60) unvaccinated people, of which 25 were hospitalized but with no related fatalities.

About 70% of these measles cases are in children less than five years of age.

The data as of December 8, 2022, reflects an increase of 13 measles cases in central Ohio over the past week.

Columbus health officials reported people later confirmed with measles recently visited these locations:

Dollar Tree. 5990 Westerville Rd., Thursday, 12/1/22, 6:20-8:50 p.m.
Polaris Mall – Macy's & JCPenney stores, 1500 Polaris Parkway, Friday, 11/25/22, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Jesus Power Assembly of God, 5215 Cleveland Ave., Sunday, 11/20/22, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Meijer, 6175 Sawmill Road, Saturday, 11/19/22, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The U.S. CDC says measles outbreaks can happen in areas where people may be unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, including the U.S.

Measles can enter the U.S. through infected travelers entering the U.S. as well as through infected U.S. travelers returning from other countries.

Currently, measles outbreaks are occurring in every region of the world.

The top ten global measles outbreaks this year are led by India, with 9,489 cases.

On November 23, 2022, the World Health Organization reported that nearly forty million children are susceptible to the measles virus.

As of today, the U.S. CDC has not included Columbus in its recent measles Travel Alerts.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that lives in a prrson's nose and throat mucus. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing and lives for up to two hours in airspace after an infected person leaves the area.

If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. In the U.S., various measles vaccines are available at most clinics and pharmacies.

Other measles outbreak news is posted at Vax-Before-Travel.com/Measles.

PrecisionVaccinations publishes fact-checked, research-based vaccine information manually curated for mobile readers.

Sub Title:

Columbus Public Health confirmed sixty three measles cases since June 2022

References:

Columbus, OH Health Department

Columbus Public Health

U.S. CDC - measles

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U.S. CDC

Millions of Children Susceptible to Measles

Karen McClorey Hackett — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 16:55:29 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Holly Lutmer PharmD

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported about forty million children are currently susceptible to the growing measles risk.

On November 23, 2022, the WHO announced a record twenty-five million children missed their first measle vaccine dose, and an additional 14.7 million children missed their second dose.

This decline is a significant setback in global progress toward achieving and maintaining measles elimination and leaves millions of children susceptible to infection, stated the WHO.

Since 2016, ten countries have previously eliminated measles, experienced outbreaks, and reestablished local virus transmission.

"The paradox of the pandemic is that while vaccines were developed in record time and deployed in the largest vaccination campaign in history, routine immunization programs were badly disrupted, and millions of kids missed out on life-saving vaccinations against deadly diseases like measles," commented WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press release.

"Getting immunization programs back on track is critical."

"Behind every statistic in this report is a child at risk of a preventable disease."

Under the Immunization Agenda 2030 global immunization strategy, partners remain committed to supporting investments in strengthening surveillance to detect outbreaks quickly, respond with urgency, and immunize all children who are not yet protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

As of November 17, 2022, the U.S. CDC reported 51 measles cases in five U.S. jurisdictions during 2022.

In the U.S., measles vaccines are generally available at most clinics and pharmacies.

Other measles outbreak news is posted at Vax-Before-Travel.com/Measles.

Vax-Before-Travel publishes fact-checked, research-based travel vaccine news manually curated for mobile readers.

Sub Title:

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease

References:

WHO - measles risk

Measles outbreaks 2022

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by Dimitris Vetsikas

Measles Outbreaks Return in 2022

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 20:12:30 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Holly Lutmer PharmD

The latest measles outbreak information shows that while very few measles cases were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, measles cases are now being reported by countries that had previously eliminated or interrupted endemic measles transmission.

The World Health Organization reported worldwide measles cases increased by 79% in the first two months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported on June 10, 2022, that during the past two weeks, eighteen new cases had been reported by seven European countries: Bulgaria (1), Germany (8), Hungary (1), Ireland (1), Poland (3), Romania (3) and Spain (1).

And as of June 13, 2022, the U.S. CDC's latest ranking indicates India (5,874) and Nigeria (17,794) have reported the most measles cases in 2022.

And about 41 countries delayed their measles vaccination campaigns for 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, in 2020, 23 million children missed out on essential childhood vaccines through routine health services.

Unfortunately, this data indicates potential measles outbreaks may occur in late 2022.

The CDC also confirmed some good news.

As of June 3, 2022, only three measles cases were reported by two jurisdictions this year. This improvement from 2021, when five jurisdictions reported 49 measles cases.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the USA in 2000, almost 1,282 cases were reported in 2019. This measles outbreak was linked to travel-related cases that reached at-risk populations (un or under-vaccinated against measles) in the USA.

Since measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, the CDC says, ‘make sure you are vaccinated against measles before traveling internationally.’

You should plan to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before you depart. If your trip is sooner and you’re not protected against measles, you should still get a dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The CDC says that two doses of MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles; one dose provides 93% protection.

The CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at four through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.

For the 2020–21 school year, MMR coverage was approximately 94%.

In addition to the M-M-R II and Proquad vaccines, on June 6, 2022, the U.S. FDA approved GSK’s Priorix vaccine for active immunization to prevent MMR in individuals 12 months of age and older in the USA.

Priorix is already licensed in over 100 countries, according to a 1- or 2-dose schedule, depending on the country.

“Outbreaks of measles in recent years demonstrate how quickly diseases can return without widespread immunization.”

“Missed vaccinations during the pandemic make children even more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases like measles,” said Temi Folaranmi, MD, Vice President and Vaccines Therapeutic Area Head, US Medical Affairs GSK, in a related press release.

“Making Priorix available to patients in the US will ensure health care professionals have more than one option for this critical vaccine as they work to catch their patients up on recommended vaccinations.”

MMR vaccines are generally available in the USA at local pharmacies and clinics.

Additional measles vaccination news is posted at this link.

PrecisionVaccinations publishes fact-checked, research-based vaccine news curated for mobile readership.

Sub Title:

Priorix vaccine availability ensures healthcare professionals have more options

References:

ECDC: Communicable Disease Threats June 5-11 2022

GSK announces US FDA approval of Priorix for the prevention of measles, mumps and rubella in individuals 12 months of age and ol

CDC: Top 10 Countries with Global Measles Outbreaks

UNICEF and WHO warn of perfect storm of conditions for measles outbreaks, affecting children

CDC: Immunization Schedules

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by TSA

Measles Becomes Endemic in Afghanistan

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 20:25:43 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently confirmed Afghanistan had joined a list of countries where the measles virus has become endemic.

‘Overall risk at the national level is assessed as very high,’ says the WHO.

The regional risk is considered moderate due to the movement of people into Tajikistan, Iran, and Pakistan. While at the global level, the measles risk is deemed low due to moderately high global measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage estimates.

Following periods of lower measles transmission in 2019 and 2020, weekly notifications of suspected cases have increased in all Afghanistan provinces, with the highest weekly toll observed in the last four weeks in January 2022.

The WHO confirmed on February 10, 2022, the number of measles-related fatalities increased by 40% at the end of Jan. 2022.

During the same period, 97% of the fatalities registered were among children less than 5 years of age.

‘Although the number of deaths is relatively low, the rapid rise in cases suggests that the trend of reported deaths will continue to increase sharply in the coming weeks,’ says the CDC.

The most affected provinces, with the highest number of reported confirmed and suspected cases, are Balkh, Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Kabul, Paktika, and Paktya.

The increasing number of reported measles cases in Afghanistan is due to a variety of complex factors that, on the one hand, have resulted in the low immunization coverage of both the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) and second dose (MCV2),

In every province, two-dose measles vaccination coverage of at least 95% of the population is recommended to ensure immunity.

As of early February 2022, the U.S. CDC reported the top three countries battling measles outbreaks were India (4,259), Nigeria (4,114), and Somalia (2,908).

In the U.S., the CDC reported as of January 3, 2022, five jurisdictions had a total of 49 measles cases in 2021.

Measles is a potentially fatal but vaccine-preventable disease caused by the measles virus. Measles symptoms include fever, maculopapular rash, and at least one other symptom, cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis, although vaccinated individuals can have milder or even no symptoms.

There are two U.S. FDA Approved measles vaccines in 2022: Merck’s M-M-R-II, for use in people ages 12 months and older; and Proquad, with an integrated Varicella Virus Vaccine, which is Approved for children ages 1 through 12 years.

And the Priorix and Tresivac vaccines are authorized in various countries.

For additional measles vaccine information, please visit this webpage.

PrecisionVaccinations publishes fact-checked, research-based antibody, antivirus, and vaccine news.

Sub Title:

Measles cases continue increasing in India, Pakistan, Somalia

References:

WHO: Measles - Afghanistan

CDC: Global Measles Outbreaks

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England’s Under-Vaccinated Children Could Create the Next Measles Outbreak

Karen McClorey Hackett — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 16:30:08 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

With more than 10% of young children in England un-vaccinated or only partially vaccinated with a measles vaccine, U.K. health leaders are concerned an outbreak may occur in schools soon.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been a significant drop in the number of U.K parents and carers getting their children vaccinated against the highly contagious measles virus.

The UK Health Security Agency confirmed on February 1, 2022, these children under the age of five need measles virus protection by taking up two doses of a Measles-Mumps-Rubells (MMR) vaccine at the right time.

Coverage of the first dose of the MMR vaccine in 2-year-olds has dropped below 90%.

And the coverage for the second MMR doses in 5-year-olds in England is currently 85.5%, well below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 95% needed to achieve and sustain measles elimination.

Measles is highly contagious, so a slight decrease in MMR uptake can increase cases.

Moreover, as the U.K reopens to international travel, it is more likely that measles will be brought in from countries with higher disease levels.

Measles remains a common disease in many parts of the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Each year, an estimated 142,000 people die from measles.

As of late 2021, the U.S. CDC reported the top ten countries battling measles outbreaks. This unfortunate list is led by Nigeria (4,533), India (3,791), and Somalia (3,711).

In the U.S., the CDC reported as of January 3, 2022, five jurisdictions had a total of 49 measles cases in 2021.

This data appears positive compared with 2019 when 1,282 individual measles cases were confirmed in 31 states. That was the most significant number of measles cases reported in the U.S. since 1992.

The peer-reviewed journal The Lancet published a summary of January 27, 2022, stating, ‘despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, measles is still endemic in many countries and causes considerable morbidity and mortality, especially among children in resource-poor settings.’

‘The low case numbers reported in 2020, after a worldwide resurgence of measles between 2017 and 2019, have to be interpreted cautiously, owing to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on disease surveillance.’

‘Disrupted vaccination activities during the pandemic increase the potential for another resurgence of measles in the near future, and effective, timely catch-up vaccination campaigns, strong commitment and leadership, and sufficient resources will be required to mitigate this threat.’

Measles is a potentially fatal, but vaccine-preventable disease caused by the measles virus. Symptoms include fever, maculopapular rash, and at least one other symptom, cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis, although vaccinated individuals can have milder or even no symptoms.

Laboratory diagnosis relies largely on the detection of specific IgM antibodies in serum, dried blood spots, or oral fluid, or the detection of viral RNA in the throat or nasopharyngeal swabs, urine, or oral fluid.

Complications can affect many organs and often include otitis media, laryngotracheobronchitis, pneumonia, stomatitis, and diarrhea. Neurological complications are uncommon but serious and can occur during or soon after the acute disease or months or even years later.

There is no specific antiviral therapy for the treatment of measles, and disease control largely depends on vaccine prevention.

According to the CDC, the U.S. measles vaccination program started in 1963.

Percent of children partially vaccinated by age 24 months in the U.S. reached about 90% in 2020.

In 2022, there are two U.S. FDA Approved measles vaccines: Merck’s M-M-R-II, for use in people ages 12 months and older; and Proquad, with an integrated Varicella Virus Vaccine, which is Approved for children ages 1 through 12 years.

Proquad is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of chickenpox.

Measles vaccines Approved outside the U.S. included Priorix and Tresivac.

For additional measles vaccine information, please visit this webpage.

PrecisionVaccinations publishes fact-checked, research-based antibody, antivirus, and vaccine news.

Sub Title:

Completed MMR vaccinations in England children is about 85%

References:

Around 1 in 10 children starting school at risk of measles

CDC: Top 10 Countries with Global Measles Outbreaks

Measles cases in 2021

CDC: Percent of children vaccinated by age 24 months

Measles Vaccines

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Measles Outbreaks May Dominate 2022

Don Hackett — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 21:05:58 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned the global COVID-19 pandemic created both good news as well as ominous measles forecasts.

Published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in November 2021, the latest immunization, illness, and surveillance trends indicate measles deaths decreased 94% since early 2020.

However, more than twenty-two million infants missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2020, about 10% more than in 2019.

Alongside the measles vaccination decrease, twenty-three countries postponed vaccination campaigns, positioning more than 93 million people at risk of this infectious disease.

These cancellations increase the risk of bigger measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the United States.

As of October 2021, the countries of Nigeria (6,595), Pakistan (6,395), Somalia (2,949), and India (2,915) have reported the most measles cases.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, almost 1,300 cases were reported in 31 states in 2019— the most significant number since 1992.

These measles outbreaks were linked to travel-related cases that reached at-risk, under-vaccinated populations.

Because of travel limitations and enhanced health behaviors, only 49 measles cases have been reported by five jurisdictions so far in 2021. Most of the twenty-two cases in Northern Virginia were also related to under-vaccinated travelers.

According to the Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&RI), a partnership among the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, CDC, UNICEF, and WHO, measles outbreaks can be expected in 2022.

“Even before the (COVID-19) pandemic, we were seeing how even small pockets of low measles immunization coverage could fuel unprecedented outbreaks,” said Ephrem Tekle Lemango, UNICEF Associate Director for Immunization.

“While we have not seen an increase in cases yet, measles is simply too contagious.”

“If we do not act, gaps will become outbreaks, and many children will be exposed to a preventable but potentially deadly disease,” he added.

The Measles Outbreaks Strategic Response Plan 2021–2023 recommends annual risk assessments to strengthen preparedness and response, investigation of every outbreak, rapid implementation of effective interventions to stop transmission, and root cause analysis to close immunity gaps and prevent future episodes through tailored approaches.

Measles outbreaks in 2022 could be viewed as opportunities to identify weaknesses across the immunization system and develop tailored strategies to close immunity gaps, says these organizations.

‘Together, these actions will bolster measles elimination efforts while strengthening immunization systems,’ concluded the CDC and WHO statements.

As an example, the African country of Cameroon confirmed that in early December 2021, it began a measles vaccination drive on its northern border with Nigeria after several dozen children were found with the virus.

Cameroon reported that 79 of its 190 district hospitals were affected by measles epidemics in 2020, with about 1,500 confirmed measles infections. And the country's Public Health Ministry says 74% of the confirmed measles cases were in people who were not vaccinated.

In the U.S., the M-M-R vaccine is most often available at clinics, community centers, and local pharmacies. And this safe and protective vaccine is suggested before visiting various countries.

Note: As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. government does not require proof of measles immunization prior to visiting the U.S.

PrecisionVaccinations publishes fact-check, research-based vaccine news.

Sub Title:

Measles Outbreaks Strategic Response Plan 2021–2023 recommends risk assessments to strengthen preparedness and response

References:

CDC: Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination Worldwide

CDC: Measles cases in 2021

WHO: Measles outbreaks strategic response plan: 2021–2023: measles outbreak prevention, preparedness, response and recovery

Measles and Rubella Strategic Framework 2021-2030

Under-Vaccinated Children At-Risk During Measles Outbreaks

M-M-R II Vaccine

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