Measles Vaccine Aerosol Project

Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine for more than 40 years.

In some countries, the lack of trained personnel to administer injections is a cause for worry over injection safety. This can be especially problematic during mass measles immunization campaigns when millions of doses of vaccine are delivered.

In response to this situation, the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Red Cross, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) teamed up for the Measles Aerosol Vaccine Project (MAVP). The goal is to develop and license a device for respiratory delivery of currently licensed measles vaccines.

After a number of preclinical and clinical studies, one model of a portable aerosol delivery device has been selected for further evaluation. The WHO contracted AMP to conduct a study to determine the usability and acceptability of the device in resource-poor settings. Specific objectives include:

• Determining the acceptability of the measles aerosol vaccine at all levels of immunization services and the Ministry of Health Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) system
• Assessing opinions regarding the characteristics of the measles aerosol vaccine and its usability in resource-poor settings
• Synthesizing qualitative information and making recommendations

The study is being carried out in one district with rural and urban settings in Burkina Faso and Vietnam (priority countries for measles reduction).