Safe immunization of allergic children against measles, mumps, and rubella
K. Juntunen-Backman, H. Peltola, A. Backman and O. P. Salo
A series of 135 subjects (134 children and one adult) with documented or
suspected systemic allergy were prick-tested before a measles, mumps, and
rubella (MMR) vaccination. Atopic eczema was documented in 68, asthma in
47, and cow's-milk allergy in 11 examinees; eight children were evaluated
because of severe systemic reactions following
diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, measles, or inactivated polio (Salk)
vaccinations. In one child, there was only a suspicion of general allergy.
The undiluted MMR prick test gave negative reactions in 126 cases (93%).
The highest rate of nonreactivity was observed in those with atopic eczema
(96%) and in children with asthma (91%) or cow's-milk allergy (82%). All
examinees with systemic reactions after other vaccinations also had
negative prick-test reactions. A total of 122 (95%) of the 129 examinees
were eventually vaccinated with MMR. No untoward reactions developed,
except mild generalized urticaria or fever in two vaccinees. We conclude
that at least 95% of children with common forms of systemic allergy can be
vaccinated safely with MMR and, in general, that allergic diseases should
not interfere with execution of the vaccination programs.
