Growth and Development: Immunization and Health Promotion

What are the major goals of pediatric health promotion?

Optimal nutrition, immunization, screening for asymptomatic disease, early detection and treatment, and prevention of complications.

What is active immunity?

The person produces their own antibodies and memory cells after infection or vaccination.

What is passive immunity?

Temporary protection from antibodies received from another source, such as maternal IgG, IVIG, or monoclonal antibodies.

Which antibody crosses the placenta?

IgG

When are infant IgG levels lowest?

2-4 months

Which vaccines are live attenuated?

MMR, varicella and intranasal influenza

What should happen when a vaccine series is delayed?

Continue where it stopped, don’t restart

How should two injectable live vaccines be administered?

On same day or >28 days apart

Is a minor cold a reason to delay vaccination?

Generally no; defer for a severe febrile illness.

What communication style is recommended for routine vaccination? Provide an example.

A strong, personalized recommendation using presumptive language. “Your child is due for tDap today.”

Why can correcting vaccine myths be ineffective?

Directly debunking myths may reinforce them or reduce vaccination intent.

What is community immunity?

Enough people are immune that transmission decreases, indirectly protecting vulnerable people.