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Review
. 2023 Jan-Dec;22(1):764-776.
doi: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2252065.

Combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine and febrile convulsions: the risk considered in the broad context

Giacomo Casabona  1 , Olivia Berton  1 , Tina Singh  1 , Markus Knuf  2   3 , Paolo Bonanni  4
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine and febrile convulsions: the risk considered in the broad context

Giacomo Casabona et al. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2023 Jan-Dec.
Free article

Abstract

Introduction: Studies on quadrivalent measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccines have indicated a twofold increased relative risk of febrile convulsion (FC) after the first dose compared to MMR and V administered at the same medical visit (MMR+V).

Areas covered: This narrative review contextualizes FC occurrence after the first MMRV vaccine dose from a clinical perspective and outlines approaches to attenuate FC occurrence post-vaccination.

Expert opinion: While the relative FC risk increases after the first dose of MMRV compared to MMR+V vaccine in measles-naïve infants, the attributable risk is low versus the overall FC risk in the pediatric population triggered by other causes, like natural exposure to pathogens or routine vaccination. No increased risk of FC has been reported after MMRV co-administration with other routine vaccines compared to MMRV alone. Based on our findings and considering the MMRV vaccination benefits (fewer injections, higher coverage, better vaccination compliance), the overall benefit-risk profile of MMRV vaccine is considered to remain positive. Potential occurrence of FC in predisposed children (e.g. with personal/family history of FC) may be attenuated if they receive MMR+V instead of MMRV as the first dose. It is also important to monitor vaccinees for fever during the first 2 weeks post-vaccination.

Keywords: Children; MMRV; febrile convulsion; febrile seizure; measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine; risk management; varicella vaccination.

Plain language summary

Children under 5 years of age can sometimes have convulsions when they get a fever during illness or after vaccination. These are called febrile convulsions, and, in most cases, they leave no lasting damage, and the child outgrows them. After a combined vaccine against four childhood illnesses (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) became available, concerns appeared that measles-naïve children who received a first dose of this vaccine had a higher risk of febrile convulsions than children vaccinated with two separate vaccines (one against measles, mumps, and rubella, and one against varicella) administered during the same medical visit. However, this risk is low: during the first or the second week after the first vaccine dose, 1 additional child out of approximately 2500 children who receive the combined vaccine will have a febrile convulsion compared to those receiving 2 separate vaccines. In comparison, febrile convulsions due to any cause will appear in 1 out of 25 children younger than 5 years, and in 1 out of 43 children with measles. The combined vaccine has certain advantages over separate vaccines: children receive fewer injections and are more likely to be fully vaccinated against all four diseases. Children who had febrile convulsions before, or with a close relative who had febrile convulsions could be at higher risk of febrile convulsions after the first dose of the combined vaccine. Provided the informed consent from their parents or legal guardians, these children must receive separate vaccines, while all other children may receive the combined vaccine.

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