1056 ADVANCES KITH THE VARICELLA VACCINE: A TRIAL OF THE TETRAVAIENT VACCINE (MMRV) AND A POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS STUDY

Abstract

A combination varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine was tested in 17 healthy children aged 15-18 months. The seroconversion rates were 100% for varicella (FAMA), 100% for measles (Micro HI), 93.7% for mumps (EIA) and 100% for rubella (FIAX). In addition, 3/4 vaccinees who were low titer seropositive on day 0 for anti-varicella antibody had a 1 ≥ 4 fold increase in titer. Rashes occurred in 7/17, 5 morbilliform and 2 had rashes similar to varicella vaccine rashes as previously described. None had vesicular eruption. Three children had temperature above 38.3°C, 2 with morbilliform rashes, 1 with varicella vaccine like rash.In another study, the varicella vaccine was administered in a double blind placebo controlled trial of post exposure prophylaxis. Within 5 days of a sibling household exposure, 13 children received vaccine and 13 children received placebo. Twelve of 13 placebo recipients developed varicella (60-600 lesions) while 4 of 13 vaccinees developed mild varicella (2-50 lesions). Three of 4 vaccinees who developed mild varicella were immunized > 3 days after exposure. The protective efficacy was 67%, p < 0.003; protection plus modification efficacy was 100%, p, 0.000003.These data indicate that the varicella vaccine is immunogenic in combination with the MMR and is successful when given separately for post exposure prophylaxis.