Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Immunisation is the best protection against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (commonly known as chickenpox).
- The National Immunisation Program funds a free combination vaccine for protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
- Common immunisation side effects are usually mild and temporary (occurring in the first few days after vaccination) and do not usually require specific treatment.
On this page
Why is immunisation against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella important?
Immunisation against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella) is one of the most effective ways to protect children and the wider community from serious infectious diseases.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a widespread red, blotchy rash. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, blindness, bleeding (thrombocytopenia), encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death.
Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and painful swelling of the salivary glands in the jaw area. Complications can include meningitis, encephalitis, leading to deafness, and swelling of the testicles (balls) in males, rarely causing infertility.
Rubella is usually a mild illness with fever, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. However, if contracted during pregnancy, it can cause serious birth defects such as deafness, blindness or brain damage.
Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly contagious disease that causes an itchy rash, fever, and tiredness. The rash usually begins as small lumps that turn into blisters and then scabs. Varicella can lead to skin infections, pneumonia, and, later in life, shingles.
The MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine offers combined protection in a single dose, making it easier to ensure children are covered against all four diseases.
Immunisation with the MMRV vaccine
The MMRV vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule for children at 18 months. This is their second dose for measles, mumps and rubella, and their first dose for chickenpox (varicella).
The MMRV vaccine is not recommended as the first dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine in children under 4 years old because it slightly increases the risk of fever-related seizures (febrile convulsions).
It is free for young people up to 14 years who missed their childhood dose.
The MMRV combination vaccine is not recommended for people aged 14 years and over. Catch up immunisation for people aged 14 years and over is available using the MMR combination vaccine and a separate chickenpox vaccine.
People who should not be immunised with the MMRV vaccine
A child with an impaired immune system should not be vaccinated.
Some of the possible causes of impaired immunity include:
- infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or the presence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from an HIV infection
- taking certain medications, such as high-dose corticosteroids
- receiving immunosuppressive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- having some types of cancer, such as Hodgkin's disease or leukaemia
- having an immune deficiency with extremely low levels of antibodies (hypogammaglobulinaemia, multiple myeloma or chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia).
If your child has an impaired immune system, speak with your doctor about what options might be available.
Pre-immunisation checklist
Before receiving the vaccine, it is important that you tell your immunisation provider if your child or adolescent:
- is unwell (have a temperature over 38.5 ˚C)
- has allergies to any medicines or substances
- has had a serious reaction to any vaccine or vaccine component
- has a disease or taking medication that causes low immunity
- has received another vaccine within the last month or if they will have another vaccine within one month of the chickenpox immunisation
- has received a blood or plasma transfusion or immunoglobulins within the last 3 to 11 months or will need to receive them within 3 weeks of the chickenpox immunisation
- is pregnant
Side effects from the MMRV vaccine
The MMRV vaccine contain a very weakened form of viruses. The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own antibodies to protect against the virus.
Most side effects from MMRV are mild and temporary. They usually occur 7 to 10 days and only last 1 to 2 days.
- Fever (may exceed 39.4°C)
- Mild rash
- Runny nose, cough, puffy eyes
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Swelling of salivary glands
- Redness, swelling or pain at the injection site
The MMRV vaccine can cause a mild chickenpox-like rash 5 to 26 days after vaccination.
To manage side effects:
- Offer extra fluids to drink
- Do not overdress if feverish
- Use paracetamol if needed (check the correct dose)
- Apply a cool wet cloth to manage injection site discomfort
Concerns about side effects
If the side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent, or severe or if you are worried your child’s condition after a vaccination, see your doctor or immunisation provider as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital.
Unexpected or severe immunisation side effects may be reported to Victoria’s vaccine safety surveillance service.
Rare side effects
Uncommon or rare side effects of the MMR and MMRV vaccines include:
- fever causing seizure (febrile convulsions) – (1 in 3,000 children)
- temporary pain and stiffness in the joints – (more common in young adolescents)
- temporary low platelet count, causing bleeding or bruising
There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine, occurring in less than one out of a million vaccinations. This is why you are advised to stay at the immunisation clinic or health service for at least 15 minutes following immunisation in case further treatment is required.
Can measles-containing vaccines cause autism?
No, vaccines do not cause autism. This has been confirmed by many large-scale, high-quality studies involving over a million children worldwide. For more information, see
Can I get my child separate vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella?
The MMRV combination vaccine is safe and protects against all four diseases with fewer shots.
Separate vaccines are available for chickenpox (varicella), and the combination measles-mumps- rubella (MMR) vaccine.
In your language
Translated fact sheets about the MMR and MMRV vaccines are available on the Health Translations website:
- Measles, mumps and rubella immunisation information (MMR)
- Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella) immunisation information (MMRV)
Where to get help
- Your GP (doctor)
- In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
- Your local government immunisation service - visit Know Your Council
- Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours) Tel. 13 22 29
- Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- Immunisation Program, Department of Health, Victorian Government Email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
- National Immunisation Hotline Tel. 1800 671 811
- Your local Pharmacist
- SAEFVIC Tel. 1300 882 924 (select option 1)
- Australian Immunisation Handbook, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- National Immunisation Program Schedule, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- Immunisation schedule Victoria and vaccine eligibility criteria, Department of Health, Victorian Government.
- Sharing knowledge about Immunisation, questions - National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.
- Vaccine side effects, Department of Health, Victorian Government.
- Pre-immunisation checklist – what to tell your doctor or nurse before immunisation, Department of Health, Victorian Government.
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