Mmrv VaccineThis page is about the routine MMRV vaccine for young children. MMRV has replaced the MMR vaccine in the NHS vaccination schedule. The MMR vaccine is still available for older children and adults born on or before 31 December 2019 who were not vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella when they were younger. What the MMRV vaccine is forThe MMRV vaccine helps protect against: These infections spread very easily between people and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), pneumonia, and hearing loss. Who should have the MMRV vaccineThe MMRV vaccine is recommended for young children as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. The number of doses children are given depends on when they were born. Some older children will have already had 1 or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine which also protects against measles, mumps and rubella, but not chickenpox. How to get the MMRV vaccineYour GP surgery will usually contact you about your child's MMRV vaccinations. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone call or email. Speak to your GP surgery if:
Your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment. Advice for parentsWho cannot have the MMRV vaccineMost children can have the MMRV vaccine. But it's not suitable for some children because it's a live vaccine, which means it contains weakened versions of the measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox viruses. The MMRV vaccine is not given if your child:
Getting vaccinated if your child is unwellYour child can have the MMRV vaccine if they're unwell but they do not have a high temperature. If your child has a high temperature or feels very unwell, wait until they feel better before they have the MMRV vaccine. MMRV vaccine ingredientsThere are 2 types of MMRV vaccine in the UK which work equally well. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflets:
The ProQuad MMRV vaccine contains a small amount of gelatine from pigs (porcine gelatine). Speak to the person vaccinating your child if you want your child to have the Priorix-Tetra MMRV vaccine instead. How the MMRV vaccine is givenThe MMRV vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm or thigh. It's usually given at the same time as other routine vaccinations. Your child will usually need 2 doses for full protection. Most children have the 1st dose when they're 12 months old and the 2nd dose when they're 18 months old. Side effects of the MMRV vaccineLike all medicines, the MMRV vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. Common side effects are usually mild and only last 2 to 3 days. They include:
The spotty rash may contain infectious chickenpox virus and should be covered with clothes. As long as the spots are covered, children can go to nursery as normal. More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are rare. The person who vaccinates your child will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately. How well the MMRV vaccine worksProtection against measles, mumps and rubella starts within 2 weeks of having the MMRV vaccine. Protection against chickenpox starts within 3 weeks of having the vaccine. After 2 doses:
If your child gets mumps after being vaccinated, the symptoms will usually be much milder More information
Sexual Health AdviceThroughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
|
| This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer. |
| Photos: OutUK and LightFieldStudios. | |