ProQuad and Pregnancy

No studies have been done to determine whether ProQuad (MMRV) is safe for use during pregnancy. Because the potential risks are not known, the Food and Drug Administration has classified ProQuad as a pregnancy Category C medication. If you received this vaccine before you knew you were pregnant, discuss this with your healthcare provider.

I'm Pregnant -- Can I Receive the ProQuad Injection?

ProQuad^® (MMRV) is a vaccine approved to prevent chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella. This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

What Is Pregnancy Category C?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans, but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.

Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are given a pregnancy Category C rating.

The ProQuad vaccine has not been studied in pregnant women or animals. Because ProQuad is a live vaccine, and because exposure to chickenpox, measles, mumps, or rubella during pregnancy can be dangerous to the developing fetus, there is a theoretical risk that ProQuad could cause problems.

As a result, the manufacturer recommends that pregnant women not receive this vaccine and that women should not try to get pregnant for at least three months after receiving ProQuad.

Final Thoughts

In general, this vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you received the MMR vaccine before you knew you were pregnant, make sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider.