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<0.005) and by 4% in Würzburg (from 9.9 to 9.5; p=0.620), respectively. First-dose vaccinations for MMR (MMR or MMRV vaccine) did not change significantly in both regions.
Conclusion: Acceptance of V vaccination depends in part on the use of combination vaccine.
Keywords: Surveillance; Vaccination; Varicella.
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