PROQUAD, which reflects more than 20 years of Merck research, combines two well-established Merck vaccines - M-M-R(R)II (Measles, Mumps and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live) and VARIVAX(R) (Varicella Virus Vaccine Live (Oka/Merck)). Vaccination with M-M-R II has contributed to a greater than 99 percent reduction in the United States in the incidence of measles, mumps and rubella -- diseases that have been associated with serious complications and once claimed tens of thousands of lives each year in this country alone. Since its licensure in 1995, VARIVAX has contributed to a significant reduction in the number of chickenpox cases in the United States. Chickenpox-related hospitalizations and deaths have also declined over the past decade in the United States. PROQUAD builds on the tradition of these Merck vaccines in helping to protect children against these four potentially serious diseases.

"Until now, a young child had to undergo two separate vaccinations against these diseases. The approval of PROQUAD makes it more likely that more children can gain protection against these four diseases because fewer shots can potentially mean better compliance," said Henry Shinefield, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics and dermatology, University of California School of Medicine at San Francisco, clinical investigator for PROQUAD and author of more than 150 published articles related to vaccination. "By allowing vaccination against chickenpox to occur simultaneously with vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella, PROQUAD can help increase the number of children vaccinated against chickenpox at the earliest recommended time -- upon a baby's first birthday."

To learn more visit myDNA's Medications Center 

Read More

© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com