FDA Approves ProQuad Vaccine for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and
ChickenpoxSept. 7, 2005 -- A new children's vaccine protects
against four diseases in a single shot.
The vaccine, called ProQuad, takes the popular MMR vaccine
(measles, mumps, and rubella) one step further by adding a vaccine for
chickenpox, making it the first vaccine to offer protection from four
diseases in one shot.
The FDA has approved the ProQuad vaccine for children from 12
months to 12 years of age. It is also approved for use in children in
this age group who require a second dose of MMR vaccine.
"Until now a young child had to undergo two separate vaccinations
against these diseases," says Henry Shinefield, MD, professor of
pediatrics and dermatology at the University of California School of
Medicine at San Francisco, who helped develop the vaccine, in a news
release.
"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 chicken pox at the
earliest recommended time -- upon a baby's first birthday."
