Childhood Vaccinations

When can babies get the MMR and Varicella vaccines and why?

12 mo, it is live

Why is vaccine hesitancy increasing?

conflicting information, government mandate (reducing number of required vax), current CDC guidelines, misinformation (vaccines shouldnt be political and are safe for kids, no evidence of anything bad)

What are implications of vaccine hesitancy?

loss of herd immunity, reemergence of measles and other vaccine preventable diseases

Risk of childhood vaccines

Common (soreness, low-grade fever, fussiness), Rare (severe allergic rxn), screen kids for contraindications, not linked to autism and extensively studied

Benefit of childhood vaccines

prevents serious disease, disability death, herd immunity protects infants and immunocompromised, far lower risk than the disease it prevents, some diseases are nearly eliminated in US

Anaphylaxis and vaccines

check with APP for hx of previous rxn, happens when IM or SQ. if neomycin allergy - no MMR. if yeast sensitive- Hep B no

Compromised immune function and vaccines

live vaccines are contraindicated- MMR and VARICELLA

moderate/severe illness and vaccines

precaution, check with provider, give as soon as illness passes, doesnt mean they can’t get vaccine

Hesitant parent education

provide accurate and user friendly information, ask parents if they have concerns, avoid judgemental/threatening language, provide vaccine information statement before vaccination w/ ability to ask q’s, respect parents ultimate wishes

Vaccines for pregnant moms

TDAP (pertussis/whooping cough) @ 27-36th weeks, RSB @ 32-36th weeks, Flu

Vaccines for caregivers and close contacts

should be up to date on vaccines, TDAP, Flu, all al least 2 weeks before meeting baby

When does passive immunity from mom stop/when do most vaccines start?

2mo

When should hepatitis B be given?

ASAP at or after birth

Can MMR be given separately?

No- only exist as a combined vaccine

What is the maximum age to be given the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine?

14 weeks and 6 days

How old must a child be for HPV vaccine?

9 years

Healthy people goals for vaccinations

increase DTaP by 2yo, mandate 2 MMR for kindergarten, 1 MMR by 2yo, increase adolescence HPV, increase flu vax, reduce number of kids with 0 vax by 2yo

What would happen if government requires vaccines to be spread out?

more visits and higher risk for missing appointments and overall percentage vaccinated lowers

Do vaccines prevent disease?

No, but decrease Sx if get sick, vax so immune system not overwhelmed