Immunizations and Communicable Diseases

What is the primary function of the immune system?

To protect the body from disease through a network of cells, tissues and organs that identify and destroy pathogens.

How do vaccines help the immune system fight disease?

They stimulate the body’s natural defenses to create antibodies and memory cells without causing the actual illness.

After vaccination, what two key immune components provide quicker protection against future infections?

Antibodies and memory cells.

What is the difference between active and passive immunization?

Active immunization stimulates the body to produce its own antibodies (via vaccine or toxoid) while passive immunization supplies pre-formed antibodies from human or animal sources.

Which two body sites are most common for intramuscular vaccine injections in children?

The upper arm (deltoid) and the thigh.

Besides injection, what two alternate routes can certain vaccines be administered?

Oral (by mouth) and intranasal spray (e.g., some flu vaccines).

Why might a child have mild fever or fussiness after vaccination?

Because the body is developing an immune response to the vaccine.

List four expected mild side-effects of childhood vaccinations.

Fussiness, mild fever, increased sleepiness, pain/swelling/redness at the injection site.

Name three signs of a serious but rare allergic reaction to a vaccine.

Wheezing or breathing problems, swelling of face/tongue/throat, hives (red itchy rash).

Can children 6 months and older receive routine vaccines at the same time as COVID-19 and flu shots?

Yes, co-administration is permitted.

Which three vaccines are routinely given at 2 months of age in Ontario?

DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneu-C-13, and Rotavirus (Rota).

What repeat set of vaccines is administered again at 4 months?

DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneu-C-13, and Rotavirus.

At 6 months, which combination vaccine is scheduled?

DTaP-IPV-Hib.

Which vaccines are given at 12 months of age?

Men-C-C, MMR, and Pneu-C-13.

What single vaccine is administered at 15 months?

Varicella (Var).

Which combination vaccine is scheduled at 18 months?

DTaP-IPV-Hib booster.

Name the two vaccines given between 4-6 years.

MMRV and Tdap-IPV.

Which three vaccines are offered in Grade 7?

Hepatitis B (2 doses), HPV (2 doses), and Men-C-ACYW-135.

What booster is recommended between Grades 9-11 (age 14-16)?

Tdap booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis).

Under Ontario’s Child Care and Early Years Act, list four diseases children must be immunized against to attend daycare.

Any four of: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pneumococcal disease, Meningococcal disease, Varicella, Hib.

Which vaccine is recommended but not required for children in child-care centres?

Rotavirus vaccine.

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, which additional vaccine is required for children born in 2010 or later?

Varicella (chickenpox).

Which two vaccines are additionally recommended in Grade 7 school clinics but not required under ISPA?

Hepatitis B and HPV.

List four key roles of the nurse in immunization programs.

Provide communication/education, ensure legal and ethical compliance, store and handle vaccines (cold chain), administer vaccines, monitor adverse events, and document care.

What are two communication strategies nurses should use with vaccine-hesitant parents?

Presumptive counseling/motivational interviewing and use of simple, clear language about risks and benefits.

Why is maintaining the cold chain crucial for vaccines?

To preserve vaccine potency and effectiveness from manufacture to administration.

During communicable-disease assessment, why is travel history important?

Recent travel may expose the patient to endemic diseases influencing diagnosis and management.

What is the typical incubation period for chickenpox in children?

10–21 days after exposure.

When is chickenpox considered contagious?

From 1–2 days before rash onset until the last lesion has crusted.

How long after exposure do measles symptoms (prodrome) typically appear?

About 10–12 days.

For measles, during what timeframe around rash onset is a patient contagious?

From roughly 4 days before to 4 days after rash appearance.

Describe the classic progression of the measles rash.

Starts at the hairline, spreads to face/neck, then trunk and extremities, finally reaching hands and feet.

What are Koplik spots?

Bluish-white lesions on the buccal mucosa that appear 1–2 days before to after measles rash onset.

Which glands are typically swollen in mumps infection?

The parotid salivary glands.

Name three modes of mumps transmission.

Direct saliva contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated fomites.

What bacterium causes pertussis (whooping cough)?

Bordetella pertussis.

What is the preferred antibiotic and dosing schedule for infants <6 months with pertussis?

Azithromycin orally once daily for 5 days (10 mg/kg per 24 h).

Which bacterium produces the toxin responsible for diphtheria?

Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Where are diphtheria lesions most commonly found?

Pharynx and tonsils (upper respiratory mucous membranes).

What virus causes Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)?

Human parvovirus B19.

What classic facial appearance is associated with Fifth Disease?

Bright red "slapped-cheek" rash.