Surveillance of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine-associated aseptic meningitis in Germany.

BACKGROUND

The study objective was to detect any incidence of aseptic meningitis associated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines that would be considered of public health importance subsequent to the introduction of a new MMR vaccine (Priorix).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) rates were calculated by relating the number of cases to the number of doses of the different MMR vaccines distributed during a 2-year period in Germany.

RESULTS

During the 2-year study period 1,575,936 doses of Priorix and 1,907,875 doses of other MMR vaccines were distributed in Germany. There were no confirmed cases of aseptic meningitis associated with MMR vaccination during this period. Thus, the ADR rates (rejectable with 5% alpha error) were lower than 1/525,312 for Priorix and lower than 1/635,958 for other MMR vaccines.

CONCLUSION

The safety profile of the Priorix is similar to that of other MMR vaccines used in Germany.