measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine

What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine?

What is measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine?

Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella are serious diseases caused by viruses spread from person to person.

Becoming infected with rubella virus (also called German Measles) during pregnancy can result in a miscarriage or serious birth defects.

The measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine is used to help prevent these diseases in children. This vaccine causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

MMRV vaccine is for use in children between the ages of 12 months and 12 years old.

Like any vaccine, the MMRV vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine?

• is allergic to gelatin; or
• has had a severe allergic reaction to neomycin.

Your child should also not receive this vaccine if he or she has:

• a cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma;
• a bone marrow or blood cell disorder;
• untreated tuberculosis;
• a history of severe allergic reaction to eggs; or
• severe immune suppression caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by receiving medicines such as certain steroids, chemotherapy or radiation.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

If your child has any of these other conditions, this vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all:

• active tuberculosis infection;
• a history of brain injury or seizures;
• thrombocytopenia purpura (easy bruising or bleeding); or
• if you have received an immune globulin or a blood or plasma transfusion within the past 3 months.

How is this vaccine given?

This vaccine is given in the arm or thigh. Your child receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

MMRV vaccine is usually given only once when the child is 12 to 15 month old. A booster dose may be given between 4 and 6 years of age.

If your child has received any other measles vaccine, at least 1 month should pass between that vaccine and the MMRV vaccine.

If your child has received any other varicella vaccine, at least 3 months should pass between that vaccine and the MMRV vaccine.

Your child's booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow the doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

This vaccine can cause false results on a skin test for tuberculosis for up to 6 weeks. Tell any doctor who treats your child if he or she has received an MMRV vaccine within the past 4 to 6 weeks.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this vaccine is usually given only once, your child is not likely to miss a dose. Contact the doctor if your child does not receive all recommended doses.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

For 6 weeks after receiving MMRV vaccine:

• Do not give your child salicylates such as aspirin or similar medicines such as Alka-Seltzer, Doan's Pills, Excedrin, Ecotrin, Nuprin, Dolobid, Tricosal, and others. A serious condition called Reye's Syndrome has been reported in patients with chickenpox who take aspirin or salicylates.
• Your child should avoid coming into contact with anyone who could easily get infected with chickenpox. This may include newborn babies, pregnant women, and anyone with a weak immune system. MMRV vaccine may not cause your child to have symptoms of chickenpox. However, there is a chance that varicella virus could be passed from a recently vaccinated child to anyone who may be susceptible to chickenpox.

What are the possible side effects of this vaccine?

Becoming infected with measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

• a high fever;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• a seizure; or
• nervous system problems --numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing.

Common side effects may include:

• redness, pain, or swelling where the shot was given;
• fever;
• rash; or
• feeling irritable (fussiness in a young child).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

What other drugs will affect measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine?

Also tell the doctor if your child has recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine;
• chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatments;
• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

If your child is receiving any of these medications, he or she may not be able to receive the vaccine, or may need to wait until the other treatments are finished.

Other drugs may affect MMRV vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell the doctor about all other medicines your child uses.

Where can I get more information?

Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.