Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live (By injection)

MEE-zuls VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve, mumps VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve, roo-BELL-a VYE-rus VAX-een, lyve, var-i-SEL-a VYE-rus VAX-een

Prevents infection by measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chickenpox) viruses.

Drug classes

Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine (live) is an active immunizing agent that is given to protect against infections caused by measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chickenpox) viruses. The combination vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against these diseases.

Measles (also known as coughing measles, hard measles, morbilli, red measles, rubeola, and 10-day measles) is an infection that is easily spread from one person to another. Infection with measles can cause serious problems, such as stomach problems, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus problems, convulsions (seizures), brain damage, and possibly death. The risk of serious complications and death is greater for adults and infants than for children and teenagers.

Mumps is an infection that can cause serious problems, such as encephalitis and meningitis, which affect the brain. In addition, teenage boys and men are very susceptible to a condition called orchitis, which causes pain and swelling in the testicles and scrotum, and in rare cases, sterility. Also, mumps infection can cause spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) in women during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Rubella (also known as German measles) is a serious infection that causes miscarriages, stillbirths, or birth defects in unborn babies when pregnant women get the disease.

Varicella (commonly known as chickenpox) is an infection that is easily spread from one person to another. Chickenpox is usually a mild infection but sometimes it can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and a rare disease called Reye’s syndrome.

Immunization against measles, mumps, german measles, and chickenpox is recommended for children 12 months to 12 years of age who has not had these diseases. Immunization against these diseases is not recommended for infants younger than 12 months of age and for children 13 years of age and older.

This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your child’s doctor or other authorized healthcare professional.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. The shot is usually given in the upper arm or thigh.

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Children usually receive one shot between 12 and 15 months of age and a second shot between 4 and 6 years of age.

Your child may receive other vaccines at the same time as this one.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Missed dose: It is important to receive this vaccine at the proper time. Try to keep all scheduled appointments. If you must cancel, make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some foods and medicines can affect how this vaccine works. Tell the doctor if your child has recently received any of the following:

Aspirin or salicylic acid Immune globulin Any treatment that weakens the immune system, such as cancer medicine, radiation treatment, or a steroid

Your child should not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin (including cold medicines) for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine.

When Not To Use

This vaccine is not right for everyone. Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she had an allergic reaction to measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella vaccine, or to neomycin or gelatin. A child with a high fever or a blood or bone marrow disorder (such as leukemia or lymphoma) should not be given this vaccine. Tell the doctor if your child or anyone in the family has an immune system problem. This vaccine should not be given to a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding.

Warnings

Tell the doctor if your child has tuberculosis, cancer, or a history of a brain injury, seizures, bleeding disorder, high fevers, or an egg allergy.

This vaccine may cause a fever, which can lead to a seizure, although this is rare.

Your child should avoid close contact with pregnant women, newborn babies, and anyone with a weak immune system for 6 weeks after receiving this vaccine.

Tell the doctor if your child recently had a blood or plasma transfusion.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

High fever (over 102 degrees F)

Skin rash that looks like chickenpox or measles

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Irritability

Low fever

Mild burning, pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

ProQuad

There may be other brand names for this medicine.