Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) Combination Vaccine Slightly Increases the Risk of Febrile Seizures

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In February 2008, the same authors alerted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to preliminary evidence of a twofold increased risk of febrile seizures after the combination measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine when compared with separate measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines. Now with data on twice as many vaccine recipients, our goal was to reexamine seizure risk after MMRV vaccine.

The excess risk for febrile seizures 7 to 10 days after MMRV compared with separate MMR plus varicella vaccination was 4.3 per 10 000 doses.

Among 12- to 23-month-olds who received their first dose of measles-containing vaccine, fever and seizure were elevated 7 to 10 days after vaccination. Vaccination with MMRV results in 1 additional febrile seizure for every 2300 doses given instead of separate MMR plus varicella vaccines. Providers who recommend MMRV should communicate to parents that it increases the risk of fever and seizure over that already associated with measles-containing vaccines.

References:
Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella Combination Vaccine and the Risk of Febrile Seizures. Pediatrics, 2010.