Introduction

Class Name(s):

• 80:12 Vaccines

Brand Name(s):

• Proquad^®

Why get vaccinated?

Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine may prevent measles, mumps, German measles and Chickenpox that can occur following infections with the rubeola, paramyxovirus, rubella and varicella-zoster viruses.

Measles due to infection with rubeola virus can cause the following: fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, commonly followed by a rash that covers the whole body. It can lead to seizures (often associated with fever), ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain damage or death.

Mumps due to infection with paramyxovirus virus can cause the following: fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender glands under the ears. It can lead to deafness, swelling of the brain and/or spinal cord covering, painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and, very rarely, death.

German measles due to infection with rubella virus can cause the following: fever, sore throat, rash, headache, and eye irritation. It can cause arthritis in teenage and adult women. If a woman gets rubella while she is pregnant, she could have a miscarriage or the baby could be born with serious birth defect.

Chickenpox due to infection with varicella-zoster virus can cause the following: headache, fever, tiredness, achiness, and an itchy, blistering rash. The rash may cause the skin to be infected. Serious effects that may be life-threatening include pneumonia, brain inflammation, and Reye syndrome (a condition that affects the liver and the brain.)

MMRV vaccine contains live viruses that have been weakened so they do not cause disease but can still stimulate the body to make antibodies against the viruses to provide a defense against potential infection.

How is the vaccine given?

MMRV vaccine comes as a powder to mixed with a liquid to be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin) in the arm or thigh by a healthcare provider.

MMRV vaccine is recommended as 2 doses as follows:

• 1st dose at 12 to 15 months of age.
• 2nd dose at 4 to 6 years of age.
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What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• have a weakened immune system or if anyone in your family has a weakened immune system.
• have a fever and any sign of infection.
• have tuberculosis.
• have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
• have a condition that makes you bruise or bleed easily.
• have had seizures or if anyone in your family has had seizures.
• have ever had a blood or plasma transfusion.
• are receiving blood products or infusion with immune globulins.
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. MMRV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. You should not plan to get pregnant for 3 months after vaccination. Talk to your vaccine provider if you have concerns about receiving this vaccine and pregnancy plans.
• are breastfeeding.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

What are the risks from vaccination?

Side effects that have been reported with MMRV vaccine include:

• pain, tenderness, soreness, swelling, bruising, or redness where the shot is given
• rash
• fever
• irritability
• diarrhea
• runny nose, cough, or sore throat

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• hives, rash, wheezing, or trouble breathing or swallowing
• seizure
• unusual bruising or bleeding

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

Using salicylates such as aspirin or salicylate-containing products for 6 weeks following vaccination may cause Reye syndrome (a rare, life-threatening condition that causes liver and brain swelling that can follow viral infections in children). Avoid giving children under the age of 12 years aspirin or other salicylate-containg products (bismuth subsalicylate and magnesium salicylate) for 6 weeks following vaccination. Talk to your pharmacist before giving you child any over-the-counter medications to ensure it does not contain a salicylate.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit http://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

How can I learn more?

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: July 15, 2026.