MMR and varicella vaccine: what to know

MMR targets measles, mumps, and rubella. Varicella vaccination targets the virus that causes chickenpox. Chickenpox can be more serious for some people, so protection is considered alongside previous illness, past doses, age, pregnancy, immune health, and exposure risk. You can read more about [Chickenpox](/conditions/chickenpox/) and the [Live Attenuated Vaccine](/materials/live-attenuated-vaccine/) approach.

Both vaccines use a weakened form of a virus to train immune recognition. They do not cause the full infections in people with a normally functioning immune system, but they are not suitable for everyone. A clinician should check the full medical history before recommending them.

Take your vaccination record to the appointment. Tell the clinician about pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, immune conditions, severe allergy history, recent blood products, and medicines that suppress immunity. Ask whether the doses can be given at one visit or need careful spacing. After vaccination, expect possible arm soreness, tiredness, or a mild temperature; rest and drink fluids while you monitor how you feel. See [Chickenpox Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/chickenpox-vaccination/) for related information.

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, throat or facial swelling, widespread hives, fainting, or sudden severe weakness. Contact a clinician if fever is severe or does not settle, the injection site becomes increasingly painful or swollen, or you develop confusion, a seizure, or another unexpected symptom. Do not wait for a routine appointment if a reaction feels serious.

Ask which diseases your existing records cover, whether you need one vaccine or both, how pregnancy plans affect timing, and what follow-up dose or observation is needed.