MMR vs. MMRV Vaccines: Differences Explained
Key takeaways:
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella; M-M-R II/PRIORIX) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella; ProQuad) vaccines help provide immunity against several viral infectious diseases.
The main difference between the MMR and MMRV vaccines is that the MMRV vaccine also protects against varicella (chickenpox). It also has a slightly higher chance of causing febrile seizures in children.
Most people receive the MMR or MMRV vaccines during childhood. The CDC recommends getting two doses for the best protection.
Table of contents
Every few years, you may hear about a measles (rubeola) or mumps outbreak in the U.S. Luckily, these infections can usually be prevented with vaccines typically given during childhood. What’s more, they’re all rolled into the same vaccine — along with the virus that causes rubella. This means fewer shots and trips to the pediatrician’s office for your child.
There are two types of vaccines available to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. These include the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), or M-M-R II/PRIORIX vaccine and the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella), or ProQuad vaccine. The MMRV vaccine also helps provide immunity for varicella, or chickenpox.
So, what are the differences between the MMR versus MMRV vaccines? Let’s discuss what you should know.
What is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is an injection that helps your body build immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. It contains live, inactivated viruses that don’t cause disease. Instead, it allows your immune system to build antibodies and other memory cells to fight the infections if you’re exposed in the future.
Most people receive two separate doses of MMR in childhood and don’t need to be re-vaccinated. When given as a childhood vaccine, it’s often combined with a separate varicella vaccine to protect against chickenpox, as well.
What is the MMRV vaccine?
The MMRV vaccine is an injection similar to the MMR vaccine because it helps protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. But it also helps protect against varicella. This vaccine is given as a set of two separate doses at least 4 weeks apart. It’s only licensed for use in children ages 12 months through 12 years old.
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MMR vs. MMRV vaccines: What are the differences?
According to the CDC, there are a few key differences between receiving the MMR and MMRV vaccines, as shown in the table below.
MMR Vaccine | MMRV Vaccine | |
Disease protection | • Measles (usually given with a separate varicella vaccine) | • Measles |
Number of shots at one time | Two shots: MMR and varicella | One shot: MMRV |
Risk of fevers in children | About 15 in 100 children have fevers within 42 days of receiving the vaccine | About 22 in 100 children have fevers within 42 days of receiving the vaccine |
Febrile seizures (seizures that are caused by fever) | About 4 in 10,000 children have febrile seizures 5-12 days after the vaccine | About 8 in 10,000 children have febrile seizures 5-12 days after the vaccine |
How effective are MMR and MMRV vaccines?
The MMR and MMRV vaccines are both very effective at preventing the diseases they’re intended to protect against. The table below details the effectiveness of one and two vaccine doses.
Vaccine | Measles | Mumps | Rubella | |
MMR (1 dose) | 93% | 78% | 97% | N/A |
MMR (2 doses) | 97% | 88% | 97% | N/A |
MMRV (1 dose) | 93% | 78% | 97% | 82% |
MMRV (2 doses) | 97% | 88% | 97% | 92% |
How long are you protected after getting vaccinated?
In general, live vaccines provide long-lasting immunity. The MMR and MMRV vaccines provide lifelong protection against measles and rubella. Some people may be at risk for mumps later in life as protection wanes. In this case, an additional dose may be recommended.
It’s not known exactly how long the MMRV or individual varicella vaccines protect against varicella. But it should provide protection for at least 10 years if you’ve had 2 doses.
What’s in the MMR and MMRV vaccines?
The MMR vaccine contains live, weakened versions of the three viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMRV vaccine also contains these three as well as a live, weakened version of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox.
Examples of other ingredients in these safe vaccines include small amounts of gelatin, antibiotics, and proteins.
Age recommendations and dosing schedules
The CDC has developed comprehensive vaccine dosing schedules for children and adults. There are specific recommendations for the MMR and MMRV vaccines based on age.
When should children get the measles vaccine?
The CDC recommends one dose of MMR for children 12 to 15 months old and a second dose at 4 to 6 years old. But the second dose can be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose. Unvaccinated children and adolescents over 6 years old should receive 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart.
It’s typically recommended to give the MMR and varicella vaccines separately for the first dose. The MMRV vaccine can be given for the second dose. But if the MMRV vaccine is preferred for the first dose (e.g., due to fewer shots), it’s given at 12 to 15 months old, and a second dose is given at 4 to 6 years old. But the second dose can be given as soon as 3 months after the first dose.
Should children younger than 12 months old get the MMR or MMRV vaccine?
Only before traveling internationally, children between 6 and 11 months of age should receive one dose of either the MMR or MMRV vaccine.
Keep in mind: This dose won’t count towards the standard child dosing schedule. When the child is 12 to 15 months old, they should get the first of the two routine doses. This should be followed by the second dose when they’re between 4 and 6 years old.
Can adults get the measles vaccine?
Yes. Certain adults are advised to receive one or two doses of the MMR vaccine, depending on certain factors. The MMRV vaccine is only approved for use in children.
For adults, the CDC recommends at least one dose of MMR vaccine if they don’t already have immunity. For example, adults who received their childhood doses of MMR likely won’t need another dose. This is also the case if you were born before 1957, since you likely have natural immunity from a prior infection.
For some adults without immunity, two doses of MMR are recommended. This includes people working in healthcare, those traveling internationally, and students at post-high school institutions.
If you aren’t sure about your vaccination history or if you have immunity, this can be checked with a lab test.
Who should avoid MMR and MMRV vaccines?
Most people should receive either the MMR or MMRV vaccine. But there are a few situations where you should either avoid the vaccine or wait to get it.
Talk with your healthcare provider if any of these apply to you or your child:
Have had a severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to the MMR vaccine or its components
Are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant
Have a weakened immune system from a medical condition or treatment
Have a close family member with immune system problems
Have a medical condition where you bruise or bleed easily
Have had a recent blood transfusion or received other blood products
Have a tuberculosis infection
Received other live vaccines in the past 4 weeks
Have a moderate or severe illness at time of vaccine appointment
Do MMR and MMRV vaccines have any side effects?
As with any vaccine, you may experience mild, temporary side effects after receiving a dose. Potential side effects of the MMR and MMRV vaccines are detailed below:
• Fever | • Fever |
As mentioned earlier, both vaccines may cause a febrile seizure in children after the shot. And while uncommon with either vaccine, there may be a higher risk of this with the MMRV vaccine. Still, this type of seizure shouldn’t result in any long-term issues.
Can the measles vaccine cause autism?
Some people may wonder if the MMR vaccine can cause autism. In 1998, a research study was published that incorrectly linked the MMR vaccine to autism in eight British children. Years later, after substantial research showed the MMR vaccine is not linked to autism, the false 1998 article was retracted. The primary author confessed that he had intentionally made up the data.
Since that time, vaccine experts at the CDC and other institutions have performed their own studies and concluded that vaccines do not cause autism.
How to save on the MMR and MMRV vaccines
Vaccines are an important tool in preventing diseases and keeping the public healthy. Because of this, many of them are covered at no cost to you. This is usually the case if you have private or government-funded health insurance. And if you’re uninsured or underinsured, there are programs available that provide access to affordable vaccines for you or your child.
GoodRx can also help you save on your MMR and MMRV vaccines. The MMR vaccine’s price is as low as $100.45 at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount. And the MMRV vaccine’s price is as low as $282.55.
The bottom line
The MMR and MMRV vaccines are important immunizations that are effective for preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. MMRV also protects against varicella (chickenpox). The MMRV vaccine may have a higher risk of febrile seizures compared to the MMR vaccine.
Children should get 2 doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine by the time they’re 6 years old. The MMR vaccine is recommended for the first dose. If older children or adults didn’t get the vaccine or don’t have immunity, they should get vaccinated.
The MMR and MMRV vaccines provide lifelong protection against measles and rubella. They also offer good protection against the mumps, but some people may need another dose later in life. It’s not exactly known how long the MMRV protects against varicella. Your healthcare provider can recommend the vaccines you or your child need.
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References
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