Halt in Production of Single-Antigen Viral Disease Vaccines
According to reports from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Merck & Co. Inc. has stopped production and sales of its monovalent vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella. The manufacturer instead is only distributing its combination vaccine, MMRII, which already accounted for 98% of the company's volume production for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, compared to just 2% from its monovalent vaccines [Attenuvax® (measles), Mumpsvax® (mumps), and Meruvax® (rubella)]. It is unclear when, or if, Merck might make the monovalent vaccines available again.

Rotavirus Updated Recommendations

Updated ACIP recommendations for the prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis appeared in the MMWR Recommendations and Reports on February 6, 2009.  This recent report updates and replaces the prior 2006 ACIP statement. The new report includes recommendations on the use of Rotarix®, the latest rotavirus vaccine that was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2008.  The report provides new, harmonized recommendations for both U.S.-licensed rotavirus vaccines, including updated maximum ages for doses, contraindications, precautions, and special situations.