Immunisations Flashcards
1
Q
Is it safe for my child?
A
- Rigorous process before they reach you
- Monitored continuously after release
- Weakened/dead versions of the pathogen
- Safest way to protect child’s health
2
Q
Why does my child need a booster dose?
A
- Some vaccines cannot provide full protection against virus from one dose alone so they need to be topped up to be fully efficient
3
Q
How do vaccines work?
A
- Vaccines contain small part of bacterium or virus
- body makes antibodies against them (these can fight infection)
- so if your child contacted it in the future, they would be ready
4
Q
Why do vaccinations start so early?
A
- babies protected in womb
- once they leave, maternal antibodies break down
- lose immunity
- protects them because their immune systems are underdeveloped
5
Q
I’m worried about side effects.
A
- can be side effects like redness, irritableness, temperature or mild diarrhoea
- will pass quickly
- give paracetamol to keep fever down, keep them cool and give them plenty of fluids
6
Q
Why is MMR not given before 1 years old?
A
- acquired measles antibodies from mother
- if given too early, the antibodies may neutralise the vaccine so it would be pointless
7
Q
What is herd immunity?
A
- some people are unable to get their vaccinations
- reliant on other people to get their vaccinations
- this indirectly protects them because less people in the population will get poorly and/or pass it on
- eventually can eradicate disease
8
Q
Why are intervals needed between doses?
A
- response to vaccine can take several days and up to four weeks to be completed, so after four weeks the next one can be given
9
Q
Can my child have several doses at once?
A
- yes
- no known harmful effects from this
- protecting asap is important to protect children who are vulnerable to infections
10
Q
Can I still vaccinate my child if they are feeling unwell?
A
- yes if minor illness
- should re schedule if they already have a fever
- do not want to worsen fever
