Merck announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the addition of the intramuscular (IM) route of administration to the United States Product Insert (USPI) for Merck's MMRV family of vaccines: M-M-R(R) (II), VARIVAX(R), and ProQuad(R). While these vaccines have a long history in the U.S., until now they have only been administered via subcutaneous (SC) injection. With these approvals, healthcare professionals now have the option to choose to administer all routinely recommended injectable pediatric vaccinations included in the CDC immunization schedule, via the same IM route.

In the U.S., the only measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines that can be administered IM are M-M-R(R) (II), VARIVAX(R), and ProQuad(R). Additionally, the MMRV family of vaccines has already been licensed for IM administration in the European Union. ProQuad® is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in children 12 months through 12 years of age.

It was approved by the FDA in 2005. VARIVAX is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of varicella in individuals 12 months of age or older. It received FDA approval in 1995 and remains the only varicella vaccine available for use in the U.S. M-M-RII is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella in individuals 12 months of age or older and received FDA approval in 1978.

Indications and Usage ProQuad is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in children 12 months through 12 years of age. VARIVAX is a vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of varicella in individuals 12 months of age or older. M-M-RII is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella in individuals 12 months of age or older.