MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) vaccine

Children should not get MMRV vaccine if they:

• Have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of MMRV vaccine, or to either MMR or varicella vaccine.
• Have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, including gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin. Tell the doctor if your child has any severe allergies.
• Have HIV/AIDS, or another disease that affects the immune system.
• Are being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, including high doses of oral steroids for 2 weeks or longer.
• Have any kind of cancer.
• Are being treated for cancer with radiation or drugs.

Check with your doctor if the child:

• Has a history of seizures, or has a parent, brother or sister with a history of seizures.
• Has a parent, brother or sister with a history of immune system problems.
• Has ever had a low platelet count, or another blood disorder.
• Recently had a transfusion or received other blood products.
• Might be pregnant.

Children who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting MMRV vaccine. Children who are only mildly ill may usually get the vaccine.