I found this response I wrote about 1-1/2 months ago but never sent. It's kind of stale so I figured I could either trash it or send it...and, well, it did end with a question I wanted to ask, so here ya go: Thank you for the excellent reply. One additional question relating to vaccine spacing: This is the time of year when the pre-kindergarten/5 year visits flood our offices and many of the children will need DTP, MMR, PPD, and a hemoglobin prior to KG entry. Add a request for Varivax and we will likely split the needles into two visits rather than make the kids feel like pincushions. I know that the MMR and PPD need to spaced if not given at the same visit. Does anyone know about Varivax and PPD? Michael K. Sachs, M.D. General Pediatrician >Have heard some conflicting opinions about pros and cons of giving MMR and >Varicella simultaneously. >I would appreciate comments. > >>MMR and Varivax may be given at the same time. If not given on the same >>day, however, they must be spaced one month apart. This is according to >>the ACIP (CDC). I will give a plug for excellent courses led by Dr. >>William Achtinson of the CDC: He is excellent! Satellite Downlink >>Courses are frequently available re: Epidemiology and Prevention of >>Vaccine Preventable Diseases. >> >>Sorry such a long answer to your question. Nurses (if giving either >>singly) must be sure to check the chart and/or immunization record to >>make sure one or the other was not given within the previous month. >> >>Hope this helps:) >> >>Karen