Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain) at a glance
Class
Live attenuated viral vaccine
Protects against
Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox)
Administration
Injection into the upper arm or thigh by a trained healthcare professional
Gelatine
Priorix Tetra does not contain porcine gelatine
What is Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain) used for?
Used for active immunisation against four viral infections.
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Varicella (chickenpox)
How does Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain) work?
The weakened viruses expose the immune system to viral antigens, producing antibodies and immune memory that respond more rapidly after later exposure.
How to take Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain)
A healthcare professional reconstitutes the powder with the supplied solvent and gives it by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection into the upper arm or thigh. It must not be injected into a blood vessel or mixed with another product in the same syringe.
Tell the vaccinator about allergies, immune-system conditions, current medicines, recent blood products and previous vaccine reactions.
Mention a high temperature or severe illness; a minor illness without fever does not usually require postponement.
Remain seated or lying down if prone to fainting with injections.
Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain) side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fever
- Irritability
- Rash
- Reduced appetite, tiredness, diarrhoea or vomiting
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
- Febrile convulsion
- Reduced consciousness, seizures or unsteadiness with fever and headache
- Unusual bruising or bleeding from thrombocytopenia
- Widespread varicella-like rash or another severe neurological reaction
Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain) in pregnancy
This live vaccine must not be given during pregnancy, and pregnancy should be avoided for one month afterwards. If given shortly before or during an unrecognised pregnancy, contact the GP, midwife or vaccination service. UK surveillance is reassuring, and inadvertent vaccination is not known to justify ending a pregnancy.
Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain) while breastfeeding
Product-specific data are limited. UK specialist guidance considers vaccines, including most live vaccines, compatible with breastfeeding. Discuss individual circumstances with the vaccinator, particularly if the infant may be immunosuppressed.
Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain) interactions
Tell the vaccinator about all medicines, vaccines and recent blood products because some can affect safety, immune response or test results.
Immunosuppressants, including high-dose systemic corticosteroids
Contraindicated during significant immunosuppressive treatment because uncontrolled vaccine-virus replication may occur.
Human immunoglobulin or blood transfusion
Passively transferred antibodies may reduce the vaccine response, so timing must be reviewed.
Salicylates, including aspirin
Use should be avoided after vaccination because Reye’s syndrome has been associated with salicylates during natural varicella infection.
Common questions about Measles virus live attenuated + Mumps virus live attenuated + Rubella virus live attenuated + Varicella-Zoster virus live attenuated (Oka strain)
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this a live vaccine?
Yes. It contains weakened versions of all four viruses, so it is unsuitable during pregnancy and for some people with severe immune suppression.
Can it be given with a cold?
A minor illness such as a cold is not usually a reason to delay vaccination. It is generally postponed for a high temperature or severe acute illness.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.