1 University of Pennsylvania, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Division of Virus and Cell Biology Research, Merck Institute for Therapeutic Research, West Point, Pennsylvania, and Biological Process Improvement, Merck Sharp and Dohme, West Point, Pennsylvania
A premixed and lyophilized preparation of Enders' live measles virus (Edmonston B) vaccine combined with calf lymph smallpox vaccine was evaluated in clinical and serologic studies in children in an institution. Susceptible recipients given the combined vaccine by jet gun showed the characteristic clinical and serologic responses expected when the 2 vaccines are given alone. There was no evidence of interference between the two viruses. Additionally, the children vaccinated with the combined lyophilized vaccine gave a dermal immune reaction when challenged subsequently with smallpox vaccine by the conventional method. Persons previously vaccinated with smallpox vaccine sometimes showed an elevation in hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody against vaccinia when given the combined measles-smallpox vaccine and, in one instance, such increase in antibody was obtained following conventional administration of smallpox vaccine. The level of vaccinia hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody declined rapidly after the initial response. Based on the experience, it was concluded that the combined measles-smallpox vaccine can be safely and effectively administered via jet gun with considerable saving in time and with minimal discomfort to the patient.
Submitted on November 10, 1965