Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Vaccination Options for Preventing Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella
There are two options for protecting children who are 12 months through 12 years old against measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox):
- Getting two shots: the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine AND the varicella vaccine
- Getting one shot: the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine
These links provide information to help parents and healthcare providers decide which option to use:
For Parents:
- Two Options for Protecting Your Child Against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella. Know the Facts Before You Choose
This fact sheet was designed for parents and caregivers and includes information about the risks and benefits of each vaccination option, as well as additional information to help them understand what febrile seizures are and why it is important to vaccinate against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. - Q&As About the Options for Protecting Your Child against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella
This web page answers questions that parents or caregivers may have when considering which vaccination option to choose for their child.
For Healthcare Providers:
- Discussing Options with Parents: MMR & Varicella Vaccines or the MMRV Vaccine
This fact sheet was designed for healthcare providers and offers a summary of the risks and benefits associated with each vaccination option that you can use when discussing them with parents and caregivers, as well as general information on having successful conversations about vaccination. - Q&As About Vaccination Options for Preventing Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella
This web page is designed to answer questions providers may have about the vaccination options.
ACIP Recommendations
- ACIP Recommendations for Use of Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine May 2010
- See also: ACIP Issues New Guidelines for Use of Combination Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella Vaccine (available for CME/CE until 5-13-11.)
MedscapeCME Clinical Briefs© 2010 MedscapeCME. Posted May 2010
- See also: ACIP Issues New Guidelines for Use of Combination Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella Vaccine (available for CME/CE until 5-13-11.)
- ACIP Recommendations for Use of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
- ACIP Recommendations for Use of Varicella Vaccine
Vaccine Information Statements
This page last modified on May 25, 2010
Content last reviewed on May 6, 2010
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Content last reviewed on May 6, 2010
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases