Childhood vaccines

Question 1

What is the infant vaccine schedule?

Answer 1

8 weeks:
6-in1
Rotavirus
MenB

16 weeks:
6-in-1
MenB

1 year:
HiB/MenC
MMR
Pneumococal
MenB

2-11 years:
Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) or inactivated if in a clinical risk group.

Question 2

What is included in the 6-in1 vaccine?

Answer 2

Diphtheria
Hepatitis B
Haemophilus influenza type B (HiB)
Polio
Tetanus
Whooping coufg

Question 3

What are some points to make to a parent worried about vaccinating their child?

Answer 3

They protect the baby, and everyone around them , from dangerous diseases, and if enough people have them, it can eradicate them.

They undergo rigorous safety testing.

They don’t overload or weaken the immune system.

They don’t contain mercury or any ingredients that cause harm.

They don’t cause autism - this has been debunked, the paper was rescinded, and the doctor who made the claim can no longer practice.

Avoid certain vaccines if child hypersensitive to neomycin, polymyxin, or polysorbate 80.

Remember your red book!

Question 4

What is PCHR?

Answer 4

Personal child health record, commonly known as “the red book”. It contains a record of weight, height, vaccinations, and other medical information, and should be taken to all of baby’s health appointments.

Question 5

What are some post-vaccination symptoms to warn parents about?

Answer 5

Site of injection may be red and sore for 2-3 days.
Fever. (>37.5C)
Monitor for allergic reaction - swelling, SOB, wheezing. Occurs within minutes.
MMR may cause a measles-like rash and loss of appetite 6-10 days after, and mumps-like swollen glands 2-3 weeks after, or rubella-like rash upto 6 weeks later.

Question 6

What is some post-vaccine advice for fever?

Answer 6

After MenB, give 2.5ml (60mg) of infant 120mg/5ml paracetamol suspension ASAP, after 4-6 hours, then 8-12 hours, to prevent and treat fever. This dose may be different if premature/underweight.
For other vaccines, only give paracetamol (>2 months)/ibuprofen (>3 months) if they develop fever, not preventatively. Use only one.
Avoid bathing baby, sponging them down, or putting them near a fan.
Maintain hydration.
If the baby has a fever of 38+ (under 3 months) or 39+ (>3 months) or has a fit, seek emergency care ASAP.

Question 7

How do vaccines work?

Answer 7

They contain a small part of the bacterium or virus that causes a disease, or tiny amounts of the chemicals that the
bacterium produces. They cause the body’s immune system to make antibodies (substances that fight off infection and disease). If your child comes into contact with the infection, the antibodies will recognise it and be ready to protect
them.

Question 8

What is diphtheria?

Answer 8

Symptoms include sore throat and breathing issues. Damages the heart and nervous system, can be fatal.

Question 9

What is tetanus?

Answer 9

Nervous system disease caught when germs from soil/manure get into cuts. Causes muscle spasms, breathing problems, and death.

Question 10

What is pertussis?

Answer 10

Whooping cough - long bouts of coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing. Can be fatal in babies.

Question 11

What is polio?

Answer 11

Virus which attacks the nervous system causing permanent paralysis of muscle. If it affects chest muscles or brain it is fatal.

Question 12

What is Hib?

Answer 12

Haemophilis influenzae - can causing septicaemia, pneumonia, or meningitis.

Question 13

What is HepB?

Answer 13

Hepatitis B virus - causes liver infection leading to longterm effects and can cause cirrhosis.

Question 14

What is MenB?

Answer 14

Meningococcal B bacteria which causes meningitis and septicaemia.

Question 15

What is pneumococcal bacteria?

Answer 15

Causes meningitis, otitis media (severe ear infections), and pmeumonia.

Question 16

What is rotavirus?

Answer 16

Very common viral infection which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Question 17

How are vaccines given?

Answer 17

Most are injected. Rotavirus is an oral solution.

Question 18

What is MMR?

Answer 18

Measles - viral infection causing fever, rash, and generally unwell. Can lead to chest infections, seizures, encephalitis, brain damage, and death.

Mumps - viral infection leading to fever, headache, and swollen glands in face, neck, and jaw. Can lead to permanent deadness, meningitis, and encephalitis.

Rubella (german measles) - viral infection causing short-lived rash, swollen glands, and sore thoat. Can lead to congenital rubella in unborn babies during first 3 months of pregnancy leading to damage of sight, hearing, heart and brain.

Question 19

What are symptoms of meningitis in babies?

Answer 19

High-pitched moaning cry
Drowsy and unresponsive
Floppy
Fever
Pale, blotchy, or blue skin
Bulging/raised fontanella - bump on centre of head

Question 20

What are symptoms of septicaemia in babies?

Answer 20

Fever and shivering
Vomiting
Cold hands and feet
Red or purple “bruised” skin
Blotchy rash on skin that doesn’t fade under pressure.
Losing consiousness
Severe sleepiness
Rapid breathing

Question 21

What are symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults?

Answer 21

Stiff neck - check they can kiss their knees/touch forehead to knees
Intense headache
Light sensitivity
Vomiting
Fever
Fatigue
Unresponsive
Confusion
Rash

Question 22

What are some symptoms of septicaemia in older children and adults?

Answer 22

Sleepines, unresponsive, uninterested, confused.
Severe pains/aches in arms, legs, and joints
Very cold hands and feet
Shivering
Fever
Rapid breathinng
Non-blanching rash or red or purple spots
Diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps.

Question 23

How should you check a child’s temperature?

Answer 23

Avoid using surface thermometers, use a digital thermometer either under the armpit (any age), under the tongue (>5), or in the ear (least advisable).
Avoid measuring temperature if they are in a warm room, have hot water bottle, have had a hot bath, are under blanket etc. as will affect the reading.