Generic name:
Measles/mumps/rubella/varicella vaccine - injection
Pronunciation
(MEE-zulz/mumps/roo-BEL-a/VAR-i-SEL-a)
Brand name(s)
ProQuad
Generic name:
Measles/mumps/rubella/varicella vaccine - injection
Pronunciation
(MEE-zulz/mumps/roo-BEL-a/VAR-i-SEL-a)
Brand name(s)
ProQuad
This vaccine is used to help prevent measles (also known as rubeola), mumps, rubella (also known as German measles), and varicella (also known as chickenpox). These infections may cause serious problems (such as deafness, lung/brain problems, harm to an unborn baby). Vaccination is the best way to protect against these life-threatening infections. This vaccine is usually given to children between 12 months and 12 years old.
This vaccine contains live viruses that have been weakened. It works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the viruses.
Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.
Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.
This vaccine is given by injection by a health care professional. Depending on the brand, it may be given either under the skin or into the muscle of the upper arm.
Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by the health care professional. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, fever, or mild rash may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the health care professional promptly.
Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell the health care professional right away if your child has any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.
Remember that this vaccine has been prescribed because the health care professional has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this vaccine do not have serious side effects.
Tell the health care professional right away if your child has any serious side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the health care professional.
Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.
Before your child receives this vaccine, tell the health care professional if your child is allergic to it; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as neomycin), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.
Before receiving this vaccine, tell the health care professional your child's medical history, especially of:
There is a small risk that your child may expose others to infection with chickenpox for up to 6 weeks after your child has been vaccinated. If your child develops a rash after getting the vaccine, your child should avoid being in the same room with newborn babies (especially if born prematurely), pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, and people with immune system problems until the rash has dried and crusted over.
Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This vaccine should not be given if you are pregnant. It may harm an unborn baby. Avoid getting pregnant for 4 weeks after receiving this vaccine. Talk to your health care professional for details.
The rubella vaccine virus passes into breast milk. It is unknown if the measles, mumps, or varicella vaccine virus passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your child's medications work or increase your child's risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products your child uses (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with the health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your child's doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this vaccine are:
Avoid giving your child aspirin or aspirin-like medications (such as salsalate) for 6 weeks after your child has been vaccinated.
This vaccine may interfere with certain lab tests (such as TB skin test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all the doctors know that your child has recently received this vaccine.
Not applicable.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.
It is important that your child gets each vaccination as scheduled. Ask when your child should get each dose and mark your calendar with a reminder. If your child misses a dose, call the health care professional to reschedule.
Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Protect from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Information last revised February 2025.
Copyright(c) 2025 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.