Should I administer the MMR and varicella vaccines or the MMRV vaccine for a child’s first vaccination?
For the first dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines at age 12-47 months, either MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine or MMRV vaccine may be used. Providers who are considering administering MMRV vaccine should discuss the benefits and risks of both vaccination options with the parents or caregivers. Unless the parent or caregiver expresses a preference for MMRV vaccine, CDC recommends that MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine should be administered for the first dose in this age group. The discussion with parents or caregivers should focus on helping them understand the risks and benefits using tools including the Vaccine Information Statements. Compared with use of MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine at the same visit, use of MMRV vaccine results in one fewer injection but is associated with a higher risk for fever and febrile seizures 5-12 days after the first dose among children aged 12-23 months (approximately one extra febrile seizure for every 2,300-2,600 MMRV vaccine d
Related Questions
- What is the risk of febrile seizures after the first dose of MMRV vaccine compared with the first dose of MMR and varicella vaccines administered at the same doctor visit?
- What is the risk of febrile seizures after the first dose of MMRV vaccine compared with the first dose of MMR and varicella vaccines administered at the same visit?
- Should I administer MMR and varicella vaccines or the MMRV vaccine for the second dose?
