Statement on Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella Vaccine

Abstract

This statement reviews the one available measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine, Priorix-Tetra™, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Inc., authorized for use in Canada, and makes recommendations for its use. Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has been available in Canada since the 1970s, and univalent varicella vaccine has been available since 1998. MMR and univalent varicella vaccines cannot be administered in the same syringe, necessitating two injections at separate sites. The availability of a combined MMRV vaccine enables vaccine providers to reduce the number of injections.