Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (MMRV)Vaccine (Priorix-tetra®)
Vaccine brands: Priorix-tetra®
Measles (rubeola, red measles)
The measles virus causes a fever, rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, cough, red eyes and a runny nose. Measles complications include ear infections, pneumonia, miscarriage, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), brain damage and death. Measles virus is easily spread through the air, by droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking and through direct contact with an infected person.
Mumps
The mumps virus causes a fever, headache and salivary gland swelling in the cheeks and jaw (parotitis). Complications include meningitis (inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord), painful swelling of the testicles or the ovaries, deafness and miscarriage. It is spread by contact with the saliva of an infected person (e.g. sharing drinks, food or kissing) or by droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking.
Rubella (German measles)
The rubella virus causes a fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands in the neck and a rash on the face and neck. The symptoms can be absent or mild in children. Adults may have a headache, weakness, runny nose, red eyes and, rarely, swelling of the joints. Rubella can also cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Rubella is most dangerous in early pregnancy when it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or severe birth defects such as cataracts, deafness, heart defects, and intellectual and developmental disability known as congenital rubella syndrome. Rubella is spread by droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking and from contact with the throat and nasal secretions of an infected person.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Chickenpox is a common childhood illness caused by varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox is very contagious. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and an itchy rash. The rash begins as raised pink or red bumps and can spread to almost anywhere on the body. The bumps will gradually form into blisters and then scab over.
The virus is spread by airborne droplets and by direct contact with the blisters. Healthy children tend to have milder symptoms. In rare cases, chickenpox can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, blood infections, severe skin infections, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), birth defects and death.
Once a person has had chickenpox disease, if it was more than a mild case and over the age of one, they are usually protected for life. In adulthood, the virus can reactivate causing a painful rash called shingles.
Recommendations for Use
MMRV is usually given between 4 and 6 years of age as the second dose of vaccine for these four diseases. Children 4 to 12 years of age who are susceptible to these diseases should also receive this vaccine. MMRV protects almost all children against these four diseases when it is given as the second dose of vaccine.
Vaccine side effects
Common side effects include redness, soreness and swelling where the needle was given. Fever is less common and sometimes, a mild chickenpox, measles or rubella-like rash can occur. If a chickenpox like rash develops, it should be kept covered and will get better on its own. In this case it is important to avoid susceptible persons who may be at high risk for severe disease, including pregnant women, newborns, patients in hospital or out-patient settings, and persons who are immunocompromised (including transplant recipients or HIV infection).
Severe allergic and other reactions are very rare. Signs of severe allergy include hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hypotension and shock.
There have been studies that showed a possible increased risk of febrile seizures in children who received the MMRV vaccine as a first dose when younger than two years of age. In Ontario, the vaccine is not given to children under the age of four. Children who are four to six years of age do not experience febrile seizures as often as children less than four years of age.
You should report any side effects or severe vaccine reactions to your health care provider.
Individuals who should not get the vaccine:
- Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to any component found in the vaccine or had a severe allergy to a previous dose of a vaccine containing MMRV.
- Those who may be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant. Women should delay pregnancy for one month after receiving the MMRV vaccine.
- Those receiving a blood product (e.g., blood or plasma transfusion). The vaccine should be given at least 14 days before the administration of a blood product, or may be delayed up to 11 months.
- Individuals who have recently received another live vaccine (e.g., MMR, Varicella).
- Individuals who have been told by your healthcare provider that you have a weakened immune system.
- Salicylates (such as aspirin) should not be given to a person for at least 6 weeks after MMRV vaccine vaccination due to the association between aspirin, varicella, and Reye's Syndrome, a disease of the liver and brain.
- Those with active or untreated tuberculosis.
- Those undergoing tuberculin skin testing as it can result in false negative results. MMRV vaccine can be administered any time after skin testing has been performed and/or read.
- Individuals on an antiviral therapy you should discontinue these drugs, if possible, at least 24 hours before administration of the vaccine and should not restart antiviral therapy until 14 days after vaccination.
- Individuals with moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever.
- Those with a personal or family history of febrile seizures. Discuss getting the vaccine with your healthcare provider.
Your record of protection
After you receive an immunization, make sure your healthcare provider updates your personal immunization record such as the "Yellow Card". Keep it in a safe place. If your child is 17 years of age or under and receives this vaccine please report this information to KFL&A Public Health online or by calling 613-549-1232. Health care providers do not automatically send immunization information to KFL&A Public Health. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to provide this information.
KFL&A Public Health's Online Immunization Reporting
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