SIMULTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION OF LIVE ATTENUATED MEASLES-VACCINE WITH DTP VACCINE

Abstract

Live attenuated measles vaccine was administered to Cameroonian children 12-39 months of age alone or with diphtheria-tetanus toxoids or diptheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. Among children who were initially seronegative for measles hemagglutination inhibition antibodies, seroconversion rates and postvaccination geometric mean titers were similar in all groups. Pertussis antigen in the DTP vaccine was judged to be potent by laboratory potency testing and serologic response in recipients of the vaccine. Thus, the 2 vaccines may be administered simultaneously without compromising their immunogenicity. These results allow greater flexibility in planning individual or mass immunization schedules.