MMRV vaccines are associated with an increased risk of febrile convulsions but the combination vaccine (as opposed to separate MMR and varicella vaccines) enhances vaccine uptake.

PMID: 

Vaccine. 2014 Feb 12 ;32(8):897-900. Epub 2014 Jan 9. PMID: 24412300

Abstract Title: 

Decline of varicella vaccination in German surveillance regions after recommendation of separate first-dose vaccination for varicella and measles-mumps-rubella.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Germany introduced routine varicella (V) vaccination in 2004. Due to a slightly increased risk of febrile convulsions after first-dose application of combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine separate first-dose vaccinations with MMR and monovalent V vaccine were recommended in September 2011.METHODS: We compared V and MMR vaccinations in paediatric practices from two surveillance regions (Munich and Würzburg) one year before and after the change in the recommendation.RESULTS: A total of 1405/326 monthly reports were provided by a monthly average of 79/14 practices participating in Munich/Würzburg. V first-dose vaccinations (monovalent V or MMRV vaccine) declined by 12% in Munich (from 10.1 to 8.9 vaccinations per month and practice; p

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