MMRV

Vaccine Information Sheet
The Measles, Mumps, Rubella, March 2024 | www.hss.gov.nt.ca

and Varicella (MMR) Vaccine
What is the MMRV Vaccine?
The best way to protect your child against
The MMRV vaccine is a safe and effective way to keep measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella is
your child from getting very sick from mumps, measles,
rubella, and/or varicella (chickenpox). The MMRV vac-
to get a MMRV vaccine.
cine (shot) is made with a small amount of weakened
germs that cannot cause disease and help the immune In the NWT, children are scheduled to get
system learn how to protect itself. This vaccine can be MMRV at 12 and 18 months.
given to healthy children aged 12 months to 12 years.
What are these diseases? Varicella, also called chickenpox, is a virus that
Measles (rubeola), also known as “red measles”, is a causes a very itchy rash with blisters all over the body.
virus that causes blotchy red rash, fever, cough, runny Varicella is spread through the air or by contact with
nose, and red, watery eyes. Most people fully recover chickenpox or shingles blisters and can be serious,
from measles within 2-3 weeks, but measles can be especially for newborn babies and adults who have
dangerous, especially for infants, pregnant women, and weakened immune systems.
those with weakened immune systems. In some cas-
es, measles can cause swelling of the brain leading to Complications from varicella infection include:
seizures, hearing loss, or even death. • Pneumonia (lung infection),
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain),
Because of immunization, measles was a rare disease • Bacterial infections of the skin.
in Canada, but outbreaks have been occurring with • A pregnant person can pass varicella to their
increasing frequency. Measles occurs all over the world unborn baby.
and is one of the most contagious diseases we know of.
The MMRV vaccine is very effective against measles, 2 Once you have had varicella, it stays in the body forever.
doses are almost 100% effective in protecting against For some people, the virus becomes active again later
the measles virus. causing a painful blistering rash called “shingles”.
Mumps is a virus that causes painful swelling of the How are these diseases spread?
cheeks and neck, fever, dry mouth, headache, earache,
These viruses spread easily through the air when an
fatigue, sore muscles, loss of appetite, and trouble
infected person coughs or sneezes. You become infect-
talking, chewing, or swallowing. Mumps can also cause
ed when you breathe in air or touch a surface
deafness, meningitis, and infections of the testicles or
contaminated with the virus. These viruses can also be
ovaries.
spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva
or skin lesions through things like kissing, sharing
Rubella, also known as “German measles”, is a virus
food/drinks, cigarettes, or toys.
that causes rash and low-grade fever, swelling of the
lymph nodes, and achy joints and muscles. Rubella
infection in pregnant women can lead to miscarriage
and birth defects.
What are possible reactions to the MMRV vaccine?
Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. These If you are unsure if your child is protected,
reactions are normal and usually go away within a few or for travel with infants under 12 months of
days. You can give medication for pain/fever to your child age, please call 811 or book an appointment
if needed. Check with your health care provider if you with your local health care provider to discuss
have concerns or need advice about which medications to vaccination eligibility.
give.
Mild side effects include:
• Swelling, redness, and soreness where you got the
vaccine.
1-3 weeks after getting the vaccine some people get:
• Fever,
• Stiffness,
• Mild rash,
• Face or neck swelling,
• Temporary joint pain.
Who should NOT get the MMRV vaccine?

This vaccine is not generally recommended for: To find out more about the MMR vaccine, contact
• Babies under 6 months old and children over 12. your local health centre and visit the following
• People with weakened immune systems. links:
• People who are pregnant.
• NWT Immunization Schedule
• Please contact your health care provider for more
http://www.hss.gov.nt.ca
information.
• Immunize Canada
Why should your child get the MMRV vaccine?
http://www.immunize.ca
Immunization is the best way to protect against measles,
mumps, rubella, and varicella and the MMRV vaccine can To keep track of your family’s immunizations
give life-long protection. When you are immunized, you and to receive your vaccine scheule reminders,
help to protect others because an immunized person is download the CANImmunize App.
less likely to spread infection.
Pregnant individuals, babies, and people who are

immunocompromised are protected from these diseases
when those around them are immunized.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes

after getting any vaccine because there is a rare
possibility of a severe allergic reaction. This usually
happens soon after vaccination and may include:
hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat,
tongue or lips.
Place Health Centre
If this happens after you leave the clinic, call or go to
the nearest Emergency Department or your local health
contact information here.
centre for immediate treatment.
Please report any serious or unexpected side-effects to

your public health nurse.
If you would like this information in another official language, contact us at 1-855-846-9601.
Si vous voulez ces renseignements dans une autre langue officielle, communiquez avec nous au 1-855-846-9601.

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Vaccine Information Sheet

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella, March 2024 | www.hss.gov.nt.ca

Who should NOT get the MMRV vaccine?

Pregnant individuals, babies, and people who are

It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes

Please report any serious or unexpected side-effects to

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