Simultaneous Administration of Diphtheria Toxoid and Pertussis Vaccine in Young Children

Abstract

Over a 3-yr. period, 464 Infant Welfare children, 8 to 24 months old, were injd. against whooping cough and diphtheria at the same time. In 208 of the children, the 2 antigens, pertussis vaccine and diphtheria toxoid, were injd. simultaneously; in 256 children the 2 antigens were mixed. Schick tests and pertussis complement-fixation tests (after 3 doses of mixed antigens at 3-week intervals) compared favorably with those obtained after separate injns. of equivalent amts. of the antigens. This experience with mixed pertussis and diphtheria antigens warrants further trial on a large scale in the immunization programs of health departments and private physicians.