ProQuad Contains Varicella Vaccine
Yes, ProQuad is a combination vaccine that includes varicella (chickenpox) protection along with measles, mumps, and rubella. 1
What ProQuad Contains
ProQuad (MMRV vaccine) is a quadrivalent combination vaccine that protects against four diseases 1:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella (chickenpox)
The vaccine combines the viral strains from M-M-RII (MMR vaccine) with a higher titer of varicella-zoster virus from Varivax (varicella vaccine) 1, 2. Specifically, ProQuad contains a minimum of 3.99 log10 plaque-forming units (PFUs) of Oka/Merck varicella-zoster virus per 0.5 mL dose, which is higher than the 1,350 PFUs (approximately 3.13 log10) found in single-antigen varicella vaccine 1.
Approved Age Range and Administration
ProQuad is licensed for use in children aged 12 months through 12 years 1. Each dose is 0.5 mL administered subcutaneously 3. For adolescents and adults aged 13 years and older, only single-antigen varicella vaccine (Varivax) may be used, as ProQuad is not licensed for this age group 3.
Clinical Efficacy Against Varicella
ProQuad provides equivalent protection against varicella compared to separate administration of MMR and varicella vaccines 2, 4. The two-dose regimen achieves 98% efficacy against any varicella disease and 100% efficacy against severe disease 3. After two doses, more than 99% of children achieve protective antibody levels against varicella 3.
Key Clinical Consideration
For children aged 12-47 months receiving their first dose, the CDC recommends using separate MMR and varicella vaccines rather than ProQuad unless parents express a preference for MMRV after discussing risks and benefits 3, 5. This recommendation exists because ProQuad carries approximately one additional febrile seizure per 2,300-2,600 doses compared to separate vaccines in children aged 12-23 months 3, 5. However, for the second dose at any age or the first dose at ≥48 months, ProQuad is generally preferred over separate injections 1, 3, 5.