A child who recently stopped chemotherapy is eligible for routine vaccines. Which combination should be given?

A child who recently stopped chemotherapy is eligible for routine vaccines. Which combination should be given?

• A. MMR, Varivax, Tdap
• B. MMR and Tdap only
• C. Varivax and Tdap only
• D. None of the vaccines are given.

Answer: (A)

After chemotherapy ends, the immune system begins to recover, making catch‑up vaccination appropriate once the child is clinically stable. Live vaccines such as MMR and Varicella can be given after immune reconstitution has occurred, because the child’s ability to respond safely to these vaccines has been restored. Tdap is an inactivated vaccine and is also appropriate for catch‑up at this time. Giving all three together aligns with standard practice to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis as part of routine immunization once recovery is adequate, reducing the need for multiple visits. If there were ongoing immunosuppression or acute illness, vaccines would be deferred, but in a child who has recently stopped chemotherapy and is clinically well, this combination is appropriate.

After chemotherapy ends, the immune system begins to recover, making catch‑up vaccination appropriate once the child is clinically stable. Live vaccines such as MMR and Varicella can be given after immune reconstitution has occurred, because the child’s ability to respond safely to these vaccines has been restored. Tdap is an inactivated vaccine and is also appropriate for catch‑up at this time. Giving all three together aligns with standard practice to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis as part of routine immunization once recovery is adequate, reducing the need for multiple visits. If there were ongoing immunosuppression or acute illness, vaccines would be deferred, but in a child who has recently stopped chemotherapy and is clinically well, this combination is appropriate.