MMRV

Immunisation

  • Priorix-Tetra ( MMRV) was added to the NIP 1st July 2013.
  • MMRV shouldn’t be the first MMR vaccine which they get- as it leads to a small increased risk of fever thus febrile convulsions, they should get the MMR, and varicella vaccines separately.
  • This gives earlier 2 dose protection against MMR, and will likely lead to increased uptake of the MMR vaccine.
  • Side Effects:
      Possible side effects include;

    • Redness, soreness, swelling where the needle was given.
    • A rash which looks like chickenpox or measles accompanied by a fever, usually between 7 – 10 days after the vaccine lasting 2 -3 days.
    • Fever in some kids.
    • Severe reactions are v rare.

      • Fever can lead to febrile convulsions

    • Since varicella was added to the NIP in 2005, hospitalisations for varicella have decreased by 70%.
    • Contraindications;
      • Allergies to gelatin or neomycin.
      • Previously experienced an allergic reaction to MMR and / or varicella
      • HIV due to a lack of data on it’s use.
    • Parents now need to have had their children fully immunized during the financial years that each child turns one, two and five years of age to obtain the Family Tax Benefit Part A supplement