At Community Choice Pediatrics, we are committed to addressing any questions parents may have. There has been recent conversation surrounding the MMRV (ProQuad) vaccine, which combines protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) into a single shot. We want to address this topic.

The Risk of Febrile Seizures

About 2–5% of young children (between 200 and 500 per 10,000) will experience at least one febrile seizure. These typically occur between 6 and 60 months of age, with the peak between 14 and 18 months. This timeframe overlaps with when the first doses of MMR and varicella are recommended.

Although febrile seizures are usually harmless and have an excellent prognosis, they can be frightening for parents to witness. With this in mind, our practice has always chosen to give the MMR and varicella vaccines as separate shots at the 12-month checkup. This approach helps reduce the potential risk of febrile seizures while still ensuring children are fully protected.

MMRV (ProQuad) for Older Children

When children are older—such as at ages 4–6 years—or receiving their second dose, the data shows no increased risk of febrile seizures with MMRV (ProQuad) compared to separate shots. Because of this, we recommend and use MMRV (ProQuad) for kindergarten vaccines at Community Choice Pediatrics.

Our Approach at CCP

• At 12 months: Separate MMR and varicella shots
• At 4–6 years (kindergarten vaccines): MMRV (ProQuad) preferred

This approach ensures children receive the safest and most effective protection at the right time. If you have questions about your child’s vaccine schedule, our providers are here to provide clear, evidence-based guidance.

👉 Contact us to learn more about vaccines at CCP

***Update 9-26-2025***

Recently, information was provided that indicated the MMR vaccine should be administered in multiple doses to ensure full immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. It is important to note that the MMR vaccine is not available as separate shots for each disease; rather, it is formulated as a combined vaccine. This means that individuals receiving the MMR vaccine will be protected against all three illnesses through a single injection, repeated as necessary according to recommended dosing schedules.