This vaccine protects your child against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chickenpox).
PROQUAD is listed under Health Canada DIN 02399229. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
PROQUAD
DIN
02399229
Vaccine
Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella — live attenuated
Presentation
0.5 mL · powder for solution · subcutaneous · 12 months to 12 years
Live vaccine
Yes
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
This vaccine protects your child against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chickenpox).
It works by giving your child a weakened form of each virus so their body learns to fight off the real disease.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare provider if your child has ever had a seizure, a brain injury, or a family history of immune system problems.
Tell your healthcare provider if your child has cancer, a blood disorder, or takes medicine that weakens the immune system, such as high-dose steroids.
Tell your healthcare provider if your child has ever had a severe allergic reaction to gelatin, neomycin, or eggs.
Tell your healthcare provider if your child currently has a fever or is not feeling well, since vaccination may need to be delayed.
How it is given
This vaccine is given as a single injection by a healthcare professional, usually into the upper arm or thigh muscle.
If your child receives other vaccines on the same day, they will be given as separate injections in different spots.
Important things to know
Fever and, rarely, a seizure caused by fever can happen about 5 to 12 days after this vaccine, more often than with the separate vaccines given individually.
This vaccine should not be given to a child with a weakened immune system, including from cancer treatment, high-dose steroids, or an immune system disease, because of the risk of serious infection from the vaccine viruses themselves.
Serious allergic reactions can happen after any vaccine; your healthcare provider will have treatment ready in case this occurs.
Rarely, a child can develop easy bruising or bleeding after this vaccine due to a drop in platelets.
Effects you may notice
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
Mild bruising at the injection site.
Fever, most often about 5 to 12 days after the shot.
Fussiness or irritability.
A mild rash that can look like measles or chickenpox.
A runny nose, cough, or other cold-like symptoms.
Vomiting or loose stools.
When to contact a healthcare professional
A fever that is very high or lasts several days.
A rash that spreads, blisters, or looks unusual.
Joint pain or swelling, especially in an older child.
Weakness, unsteady walking, or a change in alertness in the weeks after vaccination.
Any questions about whether close family members should avoid contact with your child after vaccination.
When to get emergency help
A seizure, especially with a high fever.
Sudden difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread hive-like rash right after the shot.
Unusual bruising, tiny purple or red spots on the skin, or unexplained bleeding.
Severe headache, stiff neck, extreme drowsiness, or confusion.
Any symptom that feels severe or frightening to you as a parent or caregiver.
Other medicines and vaccines
This vaccine is given by injection, so food and mealtimes do not need to be adjusted around it.
Avoid giving your child aspirin or other salicylate-containing medicines for 6 weeks after this vaccine, since combining them with the chickenpox component has been linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye syndrome.
Tell your healthcare provider about any other vaccines, immune globulin, or blood products your child has recently received or is scheduled to receive, since timing between them matters.
Key points to remember
Keep a written record of your child's vaccination dates for school and future healthcare needs.
Bring your child back for any recommended second dose to make sure they are fully protected.
Report any side effects to your healthcare provider so they can be recorded and monitored.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
MMRV — children, two doses (12 months to 12 years)
2 doses
Dose 1 at 12 to 15 months and dose 2 at 18 months or later; not used at 13 years and older.
Combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine is authorized for healthy children 12 months to less than 13 years. First dose at 12 to 15 months, second at 18 months or later but before school entry. Minimum interval 4 weeks (3 months recommended for the varicella component). Febrile seizures are slightly more common after a first dose of MMRV than separate MMR and varicella vaccines in 12 to 23 month olds.
Family guidance on pregnancy: Generally contraindicated: MMR and MMRV are live vaccines. Avoid pregnancy for 4 weeks after a dose. Vaccination may be considered during a measles or rubella outbreak.
Family guidance on breastfeeding: Recommended if not immune.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.