Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine
The measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine provides long-term protection for your child against measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox). From January 2026, your child should receive two doses of MMRV.
Recognising measles, mumps, rubella and varicella
Measles
Measles is a viral infection which is spread from person to person.
The earliest signs of measles infection include:
- high fever
- runny nose
- cough or cold-like symptoms
- red, sore, watery eyes
- Koplik spots (small red spots with bluish-white centres) inside the mouth
After several days, a rash appears, usually on the face and upper neck.
The rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet and lasts five to six days before fading.
Measles is commonly confused with other infections that can lead to a rash.
Mumps
Mumps is caused by a virus.
Symptoms for most people are painful swollen glands in the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands).
Other symptoms include:
- a temperature
- headache
- joint pain
Symptoms last up to 10 days. The condition can also cause complications.
Rubella
Rubella is a mild viral disease, also known as German measles.
Symptoms for most people are:
- a rash
- swollen glands around the ears and the back of the head
Other symptoms include:
- a high temperature
- cough
- sneezing and a runny nose
- headaches
- sore throat
- sore, red eyes
Some adults also have painful joints.
The infection is very serious in pregnancy.
Varicella (chickenpox)
Varicella is a very infectious viral disease, commonly known as chickenpox.
It is very common and affects most children during childhood, although it can be caught for the first time at any age.
The disease can be more serious in adults, especially pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
The main symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, spotty rash. It can be anywhere on the body.
Before or after the rash appears, you might also have:
- a high temperature
- aches and pains, and generally feel unwell
- loss of appetite
Later in life, the chickenpox virus can re-activate and cause a painful rash. This is called shingles. It is worse in older people and in people with weakened immune systems.
Protecting children against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella
It is important to protect children against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella as these diseases can have serious complications.
Measles can cause:
- chest infections
- ear infections
- fits (seizures)
- meningitis
- encephalitis (infection of the brain) and brain damage
Mumps can cause:
- deafness - usually with partial or complete recovery
- painful swelling of the testicles in males and the ovaries in females
- meningitis
- pancreatitis
Rubella can cause inflammation of the brain and can affect blood clotting.
In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage or major health problems for their babies such as:
- blindness
- deafness
- heart problems
- brain damage
Some children will go on to develop complications from varicella (chickenpox) including:
- bacterial infection of skin lesions (spots)
- fits (seizures)
- chest infection
- encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and stroke
These complications can result in hospitalisation and very rarely may result in death.
MMRV vaccine
The MMRV vaccine protects your child against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.
From January 2026, the second dose of measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine will be brought forward to a new appointment at 18 months, which will help protect your child earlier.
Whether your child is affected by the changes will depend on their date of birth.
They will be offered the vaccine in two doses:
- first dose just after their first birthday
- second dose when they are 18 months or aged three years and four months old, depending on their date of birth
Further information is available at:
MMR vaccine
If your child is not eligible for MMRV, they are still eligible for two doses of MMR vaccine up to the age of 25.
If you have any queries speak to your GP.
Missed vaccines
If you think your child is not up-to-date with their vaccines, speak to their GP, health visitor or practice nurse.
Single vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella
Separate vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella are not recommended.
Single dose of vaccines put children at risk of infection while they wait between each vaccine.
It also means that children would need multiple injections and are more at risk of adverse reactions at the injection site.
A ‘varicella-only’ vaccine will not be offered in the routine or selective programmes in Northern Ireland.
There are no safety concerns with giving the MMRV to a child who has already had chickenpox infection or previous varicella vaccination.