Merck's ProQuad combination vaccine is now approved to protect children 12 months to 12 years of age against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. The vaccine, which combines two previously approved vaccines (M-M-R II and Varivax), is the first to target all four diseases in a single shot.
ProQuad is also approved for use in children 12 months to 12 years of age if a second dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is administered.
In clinical trials, the immunogenicity, antibody persistence, and safety of ProQuad compared with its component vaccines. ProQuad demonstrated antibody persistence at 1 year after vaccination of 98.9% against measles, 96.7% against mumps, 99.6% against rubella, and 97.5% against chickenpox.
Consult product labeling for specific prescribing directions.