Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine live (Subcutaneous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 14, 2022.

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine, Live

Uses for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine live

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 can sometimes 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 have 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.

Before using measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine live

In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine live or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine in children 12 months to 12 years of age. However, this vaccine is not recommended for infants younger than 12 months of age and for children 13 years o...