Combination vaccines can be used for children who have fallen behind. Combination vaccines may be used when any of the components are indicated and none are contraindicated. The minimum interval between doses is the greatest interval between any of the individual antigens. For example, the minimum interval between the first and second doses of MMR is 4 weeks and the minimum interval between the first and second doses of varicella vaccine is 12 weeks. When the two vaccines are combined in MMRV (ProQuad, Merck) the minimum interval between MMRV dose #1 and dose #2 is 12 weeks, which is the greatest of the minimum intervals of the two vaccines if given separately.
Last reviewed:
July 15, 2023
Switching between combination and single-antigen vaccines poses no problem if you maintain the recommended minimum intervals for all vaccines and the vaccines are licensed for the age of the patient.
Last reviewed:
July 15, 2023
You should record the generic abbreviation for the type of vaccine given (e.g., DTaP-IPV-HepB) in each of the sections that correspond to the separate antigens listed on the record (e.g., DTaP section, polio section, hepatitis B section). If possible, avoid using trade names, since trade names could be misinterpreted or discontinued.
Last reviewed:
July 15, 2023
The hyphen (-) is intended to indicate that the antigens are mixed together by the manufacturer before the product is sold and the forward slash (/) indicates that the two products are to be reconstituted by the user.
Last reviewed:
July 15, 2023
With some exceptions, there aren’t VISs for combination vaccines. Instead, providers should provide a separate VIS for each vaccine component in the combination (e.g., DTaP-IPV-HepB or DTaP-IPV/Hib). There is a combined VIS (the multi-vaccine VIS) that can substitute for any or all of the routine vaccines given from birth–6 months (DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV and HepB vaccines). VISs in English and many other languages are available at www.immunize.org/vis/.
Last reviewed:
July 15, 2023
