8. Vaccination

Question 1

What are the vaccination GUIDELINES in preterm/low-birth weight infants?

Answer 1

• BCG vaccine (at the time of discharge)
• Hep-B vaccine (when baby is > 2 kg )\
• infant born to an Hep-B positive mother (Hep-B vaccine + HBIG within 12 h’ of delivery).

Question 2

What are the contraindications or extra caution needed with live-attenuated vaccines?

Answer 2

• Immunocompromised patients
• pregnant women
• preterm infants
• acute illness (fever > 38°C)

Question 3

What are the recommended vaccines for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment?

Answer 3

• Influenza (annually)
• PCV13
• COVID-19

Question 4

What are the recommended vaccines in case of Asplenia/hyposplenia?

Answer 4

• meningococcous
• typhoid fever

*If elective splenectomy → 2 w’ BEFORE procedure,
*If emergency splenectomy → 2 w’ AFTER procedure.

Question 5

What are the GUIDELINES for Tetanus vaccines?

Answer 5

• given in Unknown vaccination status or not completed vaccine series (→ give active + passive vaccine)
• 0-5 y’ from documented vaccination (→ no additional actions)
• 5-10 y’ from documented vaccination (→ give active vaccine)
  *not necessary if clear minor wound
• > 10 y’ from documented vaccination → give active vaccine (all cases)

Question 6

What are the GUIDELINES for Rabies vaccines?

Answer 6

• use inactivated killed vaccine
• First-aid measures: immediate and thorough flushing and washing of the wound for 15 min with soap, water, and detergent
• Isolate the animal for observational period of 10-14 days (look for signs of rabies)
• Vaccinate based on isolation findings or guidelines

Question 7

What are the vaccination intervals and co-administration?

Answer 7

• Live attenuated vaccines → do NOT administer simultaneously (wait 28 days)
• Ab-containing vaccines/inactivated antigen/toxoid vaccine → can be given simultaneously.

Question 8

Examples of Live-attenuated vaccines?

Answer 8

• BCG
• OPV
• MMRV
• Rotavirus
• Yellow fever
• Poliovaccine