Pediatric Immunization, Infectious Diseases & COVID-19 in Children

What is the importance of immunization in children?

Immunization reduces the risk of serious infections, decreases disease prevalence, and protects vulnerable populations.

What percentage of children aged 6 months to 17 years received the influenza vaccine during the 2023-2024 season?

31%, a decrease from 34% in the previous season.

How many influenza-associated deaths occurred across all ages?

253 deaths.

What is the estimated percentage of sexually active Canadians who will have Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) at some point in their lives?

75%.

What was the DTP vaccine coverage in 2023?

84%.

What trend was observed in the number of zero-dose children from 2022 to 2023?

The number rose from 13.9 million to 14.5 million.

What were the measles vaccination rates for the 1st and 2nd doses in 2023?

1st dose: 83%, 2nd dose: 74%.

What is the threshold percentage needed to prevent measles outbreaks?

95%.

How many measles cases were reported in Canada in 2025?

4,849 cases (4,497 confirmed, 352 probable).

What percentage of measles cases reported in Saskatchewan from March to September 2025 were among children aged 0-17 years?

63.7%.

What are the two types of immunization?

Active immunization (vaccines) and passive immunization (administered antibodies).

What is Immune Globulin (Human) and what does it contain?

It is obtained from pooled human plasma and contains mainly IgG with small amounts of IgA and IgM.

What is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

At what age do virtually all children contract RSV?

By age 3.

What are the common symptoms of RSV?

Coughing, rhinorrhea, wheezing, irritability, low-grade fever, nasal flaring, and retractions.

What is the primary management goal for RSV?

To relieve symptoms, with airway management as the top priority.

What preventative agents are available for RSV in Canada?

Palivuzimab, nirsevimab, and the RSVPreF vaccine.

What was the hospitalization rate for children aged 6 months to 4 years during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Increased from 1.4 to 15.9 per 100,000 between March 2020 and March 2022.

What is Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C)?

A rare, severe condition that may develop in children after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

What percentage of COVID-19 cases in Canada were among children (0-19 years) as of October 1, 2021?

20%.

What proportion of COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths were accounted for by children?

Hospitalizations: 2.0%, ICU Admissions: 1.2%, Deaths: 0.1%.

What was the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests for the week ending December 7, 2024?

9.2%.

What is the role of the nurse in immunization?

To educate, administer vaccines, and monitor for adverse effects.

What is the latest Omicron subvariant mentioned?

EG.5

What was the COVID-19 activity trend in Saskatchewan from November 17 to November 30, 2024?

COVID-19 activity has decreased.

What is the test positivity rate for influenza during the reporting period?

1.4% test positivity.

What percentage of the population is immunized for COVID-19?

12.4%.

What are common symptoms of COVID-19?

Fever, malaise, cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, abdominal pain, diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache.

What age group is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Children aged 6 months to 18 years.

What is the most common side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Local reaction (sore arm).

What is the effectiveness of the acellular pertussis vaccine?

71-85% effective.

What are the clinical signs of influenza and para-influenza infections?

Fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue.

What is croup and what age group is most affected?

Croup is laryngotracheobronchitis, usually affecting children aged 3 months to 4 years.

What are the signs of croup?

Tachypnea, stridor, seal-like barking cough.

What is the treatment for croup?

Oxygen and medications such as racemic epinephrine and corticosteroids.

What are the initial symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough)?

Cold-like symptoms: runny nose, fever, mild cough.

What indicates that an illness is likely pertussis?

Vomiting after a coughing spell or an inspiratory whooping sound.

What is the diagnosis method for measles?

Nasopharyngeal swab, blood test, urine sample, clinical assessment.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, blotchy red rash.

What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?

The most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults.

What causes the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

A defective CFTR chloride channel that prevents chloride reabsorption.

What is a common diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis?

Sweat test measuring chloride content in sweat.

What are some symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Persistent cough with thick mucus, wheezing, frequent chest infections, bowel disturbances, salty tasting sweat.

What complications can arise from cystic fibrosis?

Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, progressive lung damage, CF-related diabetes.

What is the recommended treatment for measles?

Comfort care, treat symptoms, fluids, PRN Tylenol.

What is the significance of the rash in measles?

It typically begins behind the ears and spreads down the body, lasting up to seven days.

What is the role of the Canadian Pediatric Society regarding COVID-19?

They provide guidance and epidemiological data on COVID-19 in children.

What is the typical age range for children diagnosed with croup?

3 months to 4 years.

What is the treatment for pertussis if started within three weeks?

Antibiotics.

What is the transmission method for measles?

Highly contagious, spread easily through the air.