Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV and MMR) containing vaccines - About the MMRV and MMR vaccines

Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect against serious illnesses.

Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (also known as varicella) spread very easily between people who haven’t been vaccinated. These diseases are usually mild but can sometimes cause serious health problems.

Changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule in 2026

For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better on its own, but for some, it can be very serious. The risk of serious illness from chickenpox is much higher than people used to think. Some people may need to be treated in hospital if they get problems from the infection. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chickenpox leads to over 4 million hospital stays and more than 4,000 deaths around the world each year. 

From 1 January 2026 Wales is introducing the chickenpox vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule. This is to help stop serious illness and save lives. The decision was made after advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the UK government. The recommendation is based on the success of chickenpox vaccination programmes in other countries. 

The chickenpox vaccine is a combined vaccine, which helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). It is called the MMRV vaccine. From January 2026, MMRV replaces the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood immunisation schedule in Wales. The MMR vaccine is still available for some people who need it. This includes older children and adults who have not had two doses, and who are not eligible for the MMRV vaccine. 

For more information about the reasons for the change, please see changes to the childhood immunisation schedule.

Background

There are two options for protection: 

• The measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, or
• The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

What do MMRV and MMR vaccines help protect against?

The MMRV vaccine helps protect against: Measles Mumps Rubella Varicella (chickenpox)	The MMR vaccine helps protect against: Measles Mumps Rubella

About the vaccines

MMR-containing vaccines are usually given as one injection into the thigh or upper arm. It is important to have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine for the best possible protection. Having both doses gives long lasting protection against infection.  

After the first dose the body’s immune system learns to recognise the viruses and start building protection. The second dose boosts that protection, making it much stronger and long-lasting. 

That’s why getting two doses is important to keep you and those you care about safe. 

MMR-containing vaccines are very effective at protecting people from measles. People who have two doses of the vaccine are protected for life. For example, figures in Wales show that more than 99% of people who get both doses of the MMR vaccine are protected from measles and rubella, and about 88% are protected from mumps.

MMRV vaccine

MMRV has been used for many years in other countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand. In other countries, giving the MMRV vaccine led to a drop in cases of chickenpox in children. 

Since the chickenpox vaccination programme was introduced in 1995, chickenpox vaccinations in the United States reduced cases by 97% 

The MMRV vaccines given in the UK are called ProQuad® and Priorix-Tetra®.  

MMR vaccine

Since MMR was introduced in 1988, measles, mumps and rubella have become rare in the UK. But sometimes outbreaks happen, especially of measles, when not enough people get vaccinated. 

The MMR vaccines given in the UK are called MMRVaxPro® and Priorix®. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Rubella can be a very serious infection for unborn babies. If you had two doses of the MMR-containing vaccine you will be protected during your pregnancy.  

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, are pregnant, or have just had a baby and are not sure if you’ve had two doses of the MMR-containing vaccine, speak to your midwife or GP.  

As the MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, it is not advised when you are pregnant. You should avoid getting pregnant for one month after having MMR vaccination. 

If you are pregnant and not up to date with the MMR vaccine, you should have the vaccine soon after your baby is born. 

Breastfeeding

Having the MMR vaccine when you are breastfeeding will not harm you or your baby. However, if you are breastfeeding and have any questions, you can ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice before you have the vaccination.

If you are travelling, or have just moved to the UK

If you have moved to live in the UK, you may need two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine and other routine vaccinations. Different countries offer different vaccinations, and not all may have used the combined MMR vaccine. 

If you are travelling to an area that is known to have had outbreaks of measles, mumps or rubella, you should have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine before you travel. Your child may be able to be vaccinated earlier than normal if they are travelling to high-risk areas.  

If you have any questions, or you are not sure if you have had your vaccinations, discuss this with your GP or nurse.  

If you need vaccinations for work

If you work in healthcare, it’s important to be protected against illnesses like measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can be passed on to patients who are more likely to get seriously ill. Healthcare workers may need the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and to help keep their patients safe.

Are there any reasons why MMRV or MMR should not be given?

MMR-containing vaccines (MMRV or MMR) should not be given to anyone who has had a serious (life-threatening) reaction to:   

• a previous dose of the same vaccine, or  
• any ingredient in the vaccine. 

Speak to the person giving the vaccine if you or your child has had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients in the past. 

MMR-containing vaccines should not be given to anyone who:  

• is pregnant,  
• has a weakened immune system (are immunosuppressed) due to treatment or a disease, or 
• has an illness with a high fever.  

If you or your child is unwell with a high temperature (fever) above 38.5 C, it is better to wait until you or they have recovered to have the vaccine. If you cannot go to your vaccination appointment, please cancel and make a new appointment as soon as possible. A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay the vaccine. 

Before having an MMR-containing vaccine, you should tell the GP or practice nurse if you or your child:

• has ever had fits (also called seizures), or if anyone in your family has had them, including fits caused by a fever.  
• You should tell the GP or practice nurse if you are pregnant.

If unwell, should I or my child have the vaccine? 

It is best to wait until you/your child is better to have the vaccine, but it is important to have it as soon as possible. If unable attend the vaccination appointment, please cancel and rearrange the appointment.  

A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay having the vaccine. If in doubt, discuss this with the person giving the vaccination.

Is there pork gelatine in the MMRV and MMR vaccines?

Some people don’t accept pork gelatine because of their faith. In Wales, there are options for MMRV and MMR vaccines that don’t contain pork gelatine. 

MMRV vaccine 

The MMRV vaccines offered in Wales are called ProQuad® and Priorix-Tetra®. ProQuad® contains pork gelatine. If you do not want your child to have ProQuad®, there is another option called Priorix-Tetra® that does not contain pork gelatine. 

MMR vaccine 

For those who are not eligible for the MMRV vaccine, two MMR vaccines are currently available in Wales. MMRvaxPro® contains pork gelatine, and Priorix® does not contain pork gelatine. 

If you or your child needs a vaccine that doesn’t contain pork gelatine, contact your health visitor, practice nurse, or GP surgery. They can help you find the right option.

Find more information about vaccines and pork gelatine.

Page last reviewed: 20th January 2026