Childhood Immunisation

Question 1

Contraindications

Answer 1

General contraindications to immunisation
confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of a vaccine containing the same antigens
confirmed anaphylactic reaction to another component contained in the relevant vaccine (e.g. egg protein)

Situations where vaccines should be delayed
febrile illness/intercurrent infection

Contraindications to live vaccines
pregnancy
immunosuppression

Specific vaccines
DTP: vaccination should be deferred in children with an evolving or unstable neurological condition

Not contraindications to immunisation
asthma or eczema
history of seizures (if associated with fever then advice should be given regarding antipyretics)
breastfed child
previous history of natural pertussis, measles, mumps or rubella infection
history of neonatal jaundice
family history of autism
neurological conditions such as Down’s or cerebral palsy
low birth weight or prematurity
patients on replacement steroids e.g. (CAH)