Risk of febrile seizures after first dose of measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine: a population-based cohort study.

The combination measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine currently used in Canada (Priorix-Tetra) may increase the risk of febrile seizures relative to the separate vaccines (MMR and varicella) previously administered…. Despite an increased risk of febrile seizures following MMRV (compared with MMR+V), the absolute level of risk was small. Policy-makers need to balance these findings with the potential benefits of administering the combination vaccine or determine whether the choice of vaccine rests with clinicians and/or parents.

Abstract. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne 2014; 186(11):824-9