Immunisations

Question 1

What does the 6 in 1 vaccine protect against?

Answer 1

Diphtheria,
tetanus,
whooping cough, polio,
HIB,
hepatitis B

Question 2

Give an example of a live attenuated vaccine

Answer 2

MMR

measles,
mumps,
rubella

Question 3

Why is it important to vaccinate against rubella?

Answer 3

Rubella can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects in an unborn baby if a woman is infected whilst she’s pregnant

Question 4

When should children be given the HPV vaccine?

Answer 4

12-13 years

Question 5

The BCG vaccine is designed to protect against TB. Who should be offered it?

Answer 5

all infants (aged 0 to 12 months) living in areas of the UK where the annual incidence of TB is 40/100,000 +

all infants with a parent/ grandparent who was born in a country where the annual incidence of TB is 40/100,000 +. (same applies to older children but if they are 6 years old or older they require a tuberculin skin test first)

previously unvaccinated tuberculin-negative contacts of cases of respiratory TB

previously unvaccinated, tuberculin-negative new entrants under 16 who were born in or who have lived for a prolonged period (at least three months) in a country with an annual TB incidence of 40/100,000 +

healthcare workers , prison staff , staff of care home for the elderly , those who work with homeless people

Question 6

How should BCG vaccine be administered?

Answer 6

any person being considered for the BCG vaccine must first be given a tuberculin skin test except children < 6 years old who have had no contact with TB

given intradermally, normally to the lateral aspect of the left upper arm

BCG can be given at the same time as other live vaccines, but if not administered simultaneously there should be a 4 week interval

Question 7

Contraindications to the BCG vaccine?

Answer 7

previous BCG vaccination
a past history of tuberculosis
HIV
pregnancy
positive tuberculin test (Heaf or Mantoux)

Question 8

At what age are children given the MMR vaccine?

Answer 8

12-15 months and 3-4 years

Question 9

Adverse effects of MMR?

Answer 9

malaise, fever and rash may occur after the first dose of MMR. This typically occurs after 5-10 days and lasts around 2-3 days

Question 10

Contraindications to MMR vaccine?

Answer 10

severe immunosuppression
immunoglobulin therapy within the past 3 months (there may be no immune response to the measles vaccine if antibodies are present)
allergy to neomycin
children who have received another live vaccine by injection within 4 weeks

Question 11

Key features of the rotavirus vaccine?

Answer 11

it is an oral, live attenuated vaccine

2 doses are required, the first at 2 months, the second at 3 months

the first dose should not be given after 14 weeks + 6 days and the second dose cannot be given after 23 weeks + 6 days due to a theoretical risk of intussusception

Question 12

When are children given routine meningitis B vaccinations? Who else may receive it?

Answer 12

Three doses are now given at:
2 months
4 months
12-13 months

patients at high risk of meningococcal disease, such as people with asplenia, splenic dysfunction or complement disorder

Question 13

What vaccinations are given at 3 months?

Answer 13

‘6-1 vaccine’
Oral rotavirus vaccine
PCV

Question 13

What vaccinations are given at 2 months?

Answer 13

‘6-1 vaccine’
Oral rotavirus vaccine
Men B

Question 14

What vaccinations are given at 4 months?

Answer 14

‘6-1 vaccine’
Men B

Question 15

What vaccinations are given at 12-13 months?

Answer 15

Hib/Men C
MMR
PCV
Men B

Question 16

What vaccinations are given at 3-4 years?

Answer 16

‘4-in-1 pre-school booster’ (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio)
MMR

Question 17

What vaccinations are given at 13-18 years?

Answer 17

‘3-in-1 teenage booster’ (tetanus, diphtheria and polio)
Men ACWY