IMMUNIZATIONS

CONTENT

What are immunizations

Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Benefits and reactions to immunizations

Immunization schedule

Call the doctor if….

WHAT ARE IMMUNIZATIONS

1.  Immunizations are medicines given to protect your child against certain harmful diseases.

a.  Although these diseases are not as common as they once were, they can still occur

b.  Deaths still occur every year from preventable childhood diseases, even here in the United States.

2.  Immunizations are given at an early age because the diseases they prevent can strike at an early age. Some diseases are far more serious or common among infants or young children.

3.  Immunizations are also called “vaccinations” and are given by injection (shots).

4.  CHILDREN CANNOT GET INTO SCHOOL WITHOUT VACCINATIONS.

5.  Immunizations are required for the following diseases:

Immunization / Disease /
Hepatitis B (HBV) / Hepatitis B, a viral infection
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, (DTaP) / Diphtheria: a bacterial infection that causes a membrane to form in the throat and breathing difficult
Tetanus: AKA Lockjaw
Pertussis: AKA Whooping Cough
Hemophilus Influenza: Type B (HIB) / Influenza or Flu
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) / Polio
Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV) / Pneumonia
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) / Measles: AKA Rubeola or 2-week Measles
Rubella: AKA 3-day German Measles
Tuberculin Skin Test / This is a test to see if your child has Tuberculosis (TB). This is not an immunization.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE AAP

1.  The AAP suggests the premature baby receive immunizations on the same schedule and dose as full-term infants.

2.  Immunizations may be delayed if the baby has a cold or fever.

3.  Tell the doctor or health nurse if the baby is on Phenobarbital or any other medicine for seizures.

4.  The baby’s doctor will decide with you the exact immunization schedule for your baby.

5.  Bring the baby’s immunization record (shot book or card) to each doctor’s appointment.

BENEFITS AND REACTIONS TO IMMUNIZATION
DISEASE / REACTION /
HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) / HEPATITIS B
·  Can cause infection at any age / ·  Most children have no side effects
·  May lead to chronic infection of the liver and serous disease, especially if disease is acquired during infancy or childhood / ·  Fussiness, soreness, swelling, and redness at the site of the shot
·  May not show signs of infection until years later when child develops liver failure and/or liver disease / ·  Symptoms may begin within a day after the shot and usually go away within 2-3 days
Transmitted in the following ways:
·  From mother to infant at the time of birth
·  From Hepatitis B carrier to child living in same household, especially during the 1st 5 years of life
·  Through sexual intercourse
·  Through contact with infected blood, such as when drug users share needles / ·  Most children (more than 95%) who receive the recommended doses of the vaccine are protected against the illnesses caused by the Hepatitis B Virus
·  3 doses of the vaccine by age 1 are required by NC law to be fully protected against Hepatitis B
DIPHTHERIA / DTaP: Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
·  Occurs primarily in children / ·  Common reactions include a sore lump at shot site; fever 12-24 hours later
·  Attacks the throat and nose / ·  Most severe reactions are very rare
·  Interferes with breathing
·  Paralyzes muscles
·  Produces poisons that damage heart, kidneys, nerves
TETANUS / DTaP: Diphtheria -Tetanus-Pertussis
·  Caused by bacteria getting into wounds/cuts / ·  Little reaction by self: most reactions due to Pertussis portion of the shot
·  Causes painful muscles spasms, seizures
·  Unable to open mouth or swallow
·  Spasms of breathing muscles
PERTUSSIS / DTaP: Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis-
·  Worse in infants less than 1 year / ·  Common reactions: sore lump at site; fever 12-24 hours later
·  Causes severe coughing spells, often with vomiting / ·  Usually, mild fever. Small number of children may have a fever over 1020 F
·  Often causes pneumonia, seizures / ·  Constant crying for 3 hours or more
·  Very contagious / ·  Irritability or sleepiness first 2 days after shot
·  May have a seizure or become pale and limp
·  May have high-pitched cry
HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZA B
/
HIB
·  Leading cause of serious infection in young children / ·  Few serious reactions
·  Can cause meningitis, cellulitis, pneumonia, epiglottis / ·  Small number of children may have a fever over 1010 F
·  Small number of children may have redness or swelling at the site of the shot
POLIO / IPV: INACTIVATED POLIO
·  Virus that attacks nervous system / ·  No immediate reactions
·  Causes paralysis usually of arms or legs; also of breathing muscles / ·  Paralysis action to the vaccine may occur in the child vaccinated or in close family contacts (passed in child’s stool)


IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE FOR IMMUNIZATIONS
AGE / IMMUNIZATION
Birth / #1 Hepatitis B
1 to 4 Months / #2 Hepatitis B
2 Months / #1 DTaP, Polio, HIB, PCV
4 Months / #2 DTaP, Polio, HIB, PCV
6 Months / #3, DTaP, HIB, PCV

NOTE:

Your baby’s doctor or health care provider will tell you about other necessary vaccinations.

CHILDREN CANNOT GET INTO SCHOOL WITHOUT VACCINATIONS!!!

CALL THE DOCTOR IF…

1.  Fever is above 1000 F and does not come down with acetaminophen (see TEMPERATURE section).

2.  Baby’s crying:

·  Cannot be calmed

·  Lasts for 3 hours or more

·  Is unusual high-pitched cry

3.  Baby is:

·  Extremely sleepy

·  Floppy

·  Limp

·  Pale

4.  Baby has a seizure or “fit.”

Reviewed/Revised:

11/96, 7/98, 4/01, 4/03, 6/05, 5/07, 1/10

Immunizations 5