There are two types of MMRV vaccine available in Wales. One contains a tiny amount of pork gelatine and one doesn’t. If you are concerned about this, you can request the one that doesn’t contain pork gelatine
MMRV vaccines contain ingredients that are safe, reliable and ensure the vaccine works the way it should in our body. Some of the ingredients look unfamiliar, however most of them are found naturally in our bodies and in the food we eat.
Here are some examples:
A small amount of live measles, mumps, rubella and varicella virus, however these have been adapted (attenuated) so that they cannot cause the viruses themselves in healthy people.
Sorbitol - this is produced naturally in the human body and is also found in fruits and berries. It is used in vaccines as a stabiliser.
Lactose – this is a milk sugar which helps to stabilise the vaccine.
Manitol – similar to sorbitol, please see above
Sodium & Potassium – naturally produced salts that help regulate the acidity of the vaccine.
Water – this is the main ingredient in vaccines – most contain 0.5mls of water which is the same as a few drops
Gelatine – this helps keep the vaccine stable when it’s exposed to different temperatures