What is the maximum interval allowed for the second dose of the hand-foot-and-mouth disease vaccine in children?
Disease description:
My daughter, who is six years old, suddenly developed numerous small pimples on her back. A doctor confirmed the diagnosis as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), and she has already received the first dose of the HFMD vaccine. I would like to know the maximum recommended interval between the first and second doses of the HFMD vaccine.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xie Zixing
Currently, the hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) vaccines available on the market primarily target the EV71 virus. The EV71 vaccine is recommended for infants and young children aged 6 months to 5 years. The optimal time for the first dose is at 6.5 months of age; two doses are generally administered, with an interval of approximately one month between them. However, if the child has previously received human immunoglobulin, administration of the EV71 vaccine should be delayed by at least one month. Concurrent administration of the EV71 vaccine with other vaccines is not currently recommended. When administering the EV71 vaccine alongside other vaccines, an interval of at least two weeks is required—preferably one month. The EV71 vaccine typically provides protection for 2–3 years. Children older than 5 years are not considered a high-risk group for severe EV71 infection; therefore, vaccination is currently not recommended for this age group.
