MMR vaccines and non-porcine gelatine alternative
There are two MMR vaccines.
- Priorix®- manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline UK
- M-M-RVaxPRO®- manufactured by Merck Sharp and Dohme Ltd
MMRVaxPRO contains gelatine of porcine origin as a stabiliser. Priorix may therefore be offered to individuals with a preference to avoid porcine gelatine.
The public line is:
In the UK, we have two MMR vaccines which work very well. One of them contains gelatine derived from pigs and the other one doesn’t. If you would prefer to have the vaccine that does not contain gelatine, please mention this when you book an appointment.
Supplies
Centrally purchased vaccines for the NHS as part of the national immunisation programme can only be ordered via ImmForm (immform.dh.gov.uk). Vaccines for use as part the national immunisation programme are provided free of charge.
Vaccines for private prescriptions, occupational health use or travel are NOT provided free of charge and should be ordered directly from the manufacturers.
To rebalance central supplies of both MMR vaccines please consider ordering MMRvaxpro as your first choice, which is available without restriction.
Practices who require Priorix because they serve communities that do not accept vaccines containing porcine gelatine may order up to 15 packs per week. For addition supplies above this please email your request to the Immform helpdesk (contact details below)
Further information about supplies is available from the ImmForm helpdesk at helpdesk@immform.org.uk or Tel: 0844 376 0040
Background
The MMR Vaccines (Green book Chapter 21) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e021b9140f0b6665e80187b/Greenbook_chapter_21_Measles_December_2019.pdf
MMR vaccines are freeze-dried preparations containing live, attenuated strains of measles,
mumps and rubella viruses. The three attenuated virus strains are cultured separately and
mixed before being lyophilised. These vaccines contain the following:
Priorix®- manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline UK
Each 0.5ml dose of reconstituted vaccine contains:
- not less than 103.0 cell culture infective dose50 (CCID50) of live attenuated measles virus
(Schwarz strain)
- not less than 103.7 CCID50 of live attenuated mumps virus (RIT 4385 strain, derived from
Jeryl Lynn strain)
- not less than 103.0 CCID50 of live attenuated of rubella virus (Wistar RA 27/3 strain)
Priorix is supplied as a white to slightly pink powder in a glass vial for reconstitution with the solvent supplied in a pre-filled syringe. The reconstituted vaccine must be shaken well until the powder is completely dissolved in the diluent. The reconstituted vaccine may vary in colour from clear peach to fuchsia pink without deterioration of the vaccine potency. Does NOT contain Porcine gelatine
M-M-RVaxPRO®- manufactured by Merck Sharp and Dohme Ltd
Each 0.5ml dose when reconstituted contains not less than the equivalent of:
- 1×103 CCID50 of the live attenuated measles virus (Enders’ Edmonston strain)
- 12.5×103 CCID50 of live attenuated mumps virus (Jeryl LynnTM [Level B] strain)
- 1×103 CCID50 of live attenuated rubella virus (Wistar RA 27/3 strain)
M-M-RVaxPRO is supplied as a lyophilised powder in a glass vial for reconstitution with
the solvent supplied in a prefilled syringe. The reconstituted vaccine must be shaken gently
to ensure thorough mixing. Before mixing with the solvent, the powder is a light yellow
compact crystalline cake. When completely reconstituted, the vaccine is a clear yellow
liquid and should only be used if clear and free from particulate matter
MMR vaccine does not contain thiomersal or any other preservatives. The vaccine contains
live organisms that have been attenuated (modified).