Serological evaluation of a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

Combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination is soon to become available in Britain in the routine immunisation programme. A controlled study was performed in 319 children, aged 13 months, to assess the antibody response and clinical reactions to a new combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in comparison with a single component measles vaccine. In the children who received the combined vaccine, seroconversion was established in 93% for measles, 99% for rubella, and 100% for mumps. In the children who received the single measles vaccine, seroconversion was established in 92% for measles and in none for rubella and mumps. There was no increase in clinical reactions after the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine compared with the measles vaccine. These results suggest that this combined vaccine would be effective and safe in a British population and give further support for the introduction of the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to Britain.