Immunizations Flashcards
What are the goals of immunization programs? (2)
- Protect individuals & communities from disease
- Prevent, control and/or eliminate transmission
- e.g. eradication of smallpox
What are the 2 Canadian (national) and 1 Saskatchewan vaccine guidelines?
Canadian:
1. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)
2. Canadian Immunization Guide (CIG)
Sask:
1. Saskatchewan Immunization Manual (SIM)
Define immunogen/antigen
The substance that stimulates or triggers an immune response
Define immunoglobulin/antibody
Proteins produced in response to antigens which protect the body from disease
What is the adaptive immune system?
Develops as a result of infection or following immunization
- Defends vs. a specific pathogen
- Immunology memory
What is the innate immune system?
A physical barrier (skin); does not produce immunologic memory
What is herd immunity? (3)
- Can be established by adequate vaccination rates
- Required to prevent person-to-person transmission of infectious diseases
- Indirectly protects individuals:
- Unvaccinated/undervaccinated e.g., infants
- Unable to mount a robust immune response to vaccines e.g., immunosuppressed
What % of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent transmission of measles?
~95%
Vaccines produce an immune response by predominately activating the:
a. Adaptive immune system
b. Circulatory immune system
c. Endocrine immune system
d. Innate immune system
a.
What does it mean to be a monovalent vaccine?
One immunizing antigen vs. one disease e.g., Hep A vaccine
What does it mean to be bivalent, trivalent, quadrivalent, etc.?
Multiple immunizing antigens vs more than one serotype of the same disease
Examples of immunizing antigens vs. more than one vaccine preventable diseases include? (2)
- Measeles, mumps, rubella +/- varicella vaccine (MMR or MMRV)
- Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccine (DTap)
What is a live (attenuated) vaccine?
Whole, weakened bacteria or viruses that replicates, inducing an immunologic response similar to natural infection (but very mild because vaccine strains are attenuated or weakened)
- Long-term immunity
- Immunity obtained in most with one dose (2nd dose given to ensure all are protected)
Live (attenuated) vaccines are replicating. Why might that be a problem and for who?
Very small risk of infection and contraindicated/caution in immunocompromised patients
What is a killed (inactivated) vaccine? (2)
- Whole or parts of an inactivated (killed) bacteria or viruses;
toxoids; parts of bacteria or virus obtained via recombinant technology - Boosters required to maintain adequate titres after primary series
Killed (inactivated) vaccines are non-replicating. Meaning?
Cannot cause disease they are designed to prevent
- Safe for immunocompromised patients
What are the 5 replicating (live) vaccines to know? (Meaning if it’s not on this list, then it’s a non-replicating vaccine, so only need to memorize these 5)
- MMR
- Varicella
- MMRV
- Rotavirus
- Typhoid (oral)
What is actually in a vaccine? (6)
- Antigen - infectious agent itself (or piece of it)
- Suspending fluid - e.g., sterile H2O for injection, 0.9% NaCl
- Stabilizers - e.g., gelatin
- Preservatives - e.g., thimerosal
- Antibiotics - prevent bacterial growth e.g., neomycin
- Adjuvants
What do adjuvants do? (2) Examples?
- Increase immunogenicity or antigenicity
- Prolongs antigen absorption
E.g.,
- Aluminum salts in Adacel, Boostrix, or Gardasil-9
What are some factors that affect vaccine response? (7)
- Viability of the antigen
- Antigen Dose
- Age
- Immune status
- Route & site of administration
- Timing
- Vaccine Storage
A patient asks you why they need SO MANY doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. What advice do you provide?
a. The COVID-19 vaccine is inactivated or “dead,” so multiple doses are required. This is similar to the tetanus vaccine
b. The COVID-19 vaccine is inactivated or “dead,” so multiple doses are required. This is similar to the measles vaccine
c. The COVID-19 vaccine is live, weakened, so multiple doses are required. This is similar to the tetanus vaccine
d. The COVID-19 vaccine is live, weakened, so multiple doses are required. This is similar to the measles vaccine
a.
What are the 3 ways in which vaccines can be given?
- Intramuscular (IM) - most; vaccines with adjuvants
- Subcutaneous (SC) - live vaccines; MMR, varicella, polio (IPV)
- Oral
If giving multiple vaccines during the same visit, then how should they be spaced out?
- If possible, give in separate anatomic sites (different limbs)
- If not, separate >1 inch
How do you give multiple live vaccines?
Either have to on the same day or wait at least 4 weeks between live vaccines
e.g., childhood immunizations, MMR, and Varicella vaccines given at the same time
Are vaccines interchangeable?
- Most vaccines can be used interchangeably to complete series if the vaccine is not available
- Ideally, complete vaccine series with the same product
Which vaccines are not interchangeable?
- Pneumococcal vaccines
- Some meningococcal vaccines
True or False? When a vaccine schedule is interrupted, the person must restart the immunization
False - series do not need to be restarted regardless of time between doses
You are following up with an adult pt (not immunized in childhood). He was given the MMR vaccine today, but the Varicella vaccine wasn’t in stock. When is the earliest he could receive it?
a. 2 weeks
b. 4 weeks
c. 6 weeks
d. 8 weeks
b.
There are very few true contraindications to being vaccinated. What are those CIs? (4)
- Anaphylactic reaction to previous vaccine
- Anaphylactic reaction to egg (yellow fever or RABAVERT rabies vaccine)
- Pregnancy, immunocompromised (live vaccines)
- Guillian-Barre syndrome (GBS) <=6 weeks of immunization
What are the expected local adverse effects of vaccines? (4)
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain at injection site
What are the expected systemic adverse effects of vaccines? (6)
- Fever
- Irritability/fussiness
- Drowsiness
- Decreased activity
- Decreased appetite
- Syncope
Do adverse events from a vaccine need to be reported? (2)
Depends:
1. Minor/expected reactions do not need to be reported
2. Serious, rare, or unexpected AEs thought to be caused by a vaccine, yes
What are some distraction techniques used to help with pain during vaccination? (5)
- Deep relaxation breathing
- Use technology
- Shift attention
- Pay attention to another part of your body
- Rapid fire questsions
Specific examples of vaccines associated with more injection site pain are? (3)
Prevnar-20; MMR, HPV vaccines
Give most painful vaccine first or last if giving multiple?
Last
Numbing creams for vaccine injection pain. Yay or nay?
Yay
Acetaminophen to a child following a vaccine (or prophylaxis) to help with pain. Yay or nay?
- Nay - no evidence it helps apparently.
- Concern that antipyretics may reduce immune response
- Can give in first 1-2 days post vaccine if required for fever or pain
What are 2 vaccine DIs to be aware of?
- Immunosuppressants e.g., DMARDs, prednisone >20mg/d x 2 weeks
- Killed - give >=2 weeks before starting therapy, if possible; but safe if given while on therapy
- Live - give >=4 weeks before starting therapy or delay until after treatment is discontinued +/- waiting period - Antithrombotics - caution, bleeding risk
Describe the process of infection via Corynebacterium diphtheria
Releases toxin –> inhibit cell protein synthesis and membrane formation
How is diptheria transmitted?
Respiratory droplets (e.g., sneezing or coughing)
What are signs and symptoms of diptheria? (3)
- Upper respiratory infection - mild fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy
- A grayish white membrane appears in the throat within 2 to 3 days
- Can lead to acute respiratory distress & systemic complications e.g. myocarditis
What is the mortality of diptheria?
Unimmunized 5-10%, highest in very young/old individuals
How does the diptheria vaccine work? (3)
- Toxoid vaccine
- Contains detoxified diphtheria toxin (antigen), so immune system produces antibodies towards the toxin
- Vaccine protects against effects of the toxin, but not infection/ transmission
True or False? Diphteria is only available as a combo vaccine
True
Diphtheria is labelled as either D or d. Why?
D = pediatric formulation (higher concentration antigen)
- e.g., DTap-IPV
d = adolescent/adult formulation (reduced concentration antigen)
- e.g., Tdap
What is the diptheria vaccine schedule in childhood? (2)
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION
1. SK Primary Series (“D”): 4 doses (2,4,6,18 months), then
2. Booster (“d”): 4-6 years & in Grade 8
According to NACI - what is the diptheria booster schedule in adults?
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
Td booster every 10 years (routine)
- Can also get if serious cuts/deep wounds & last tetanus vaccine was more than 5 years ago
- Should receive Tdap x 1 to replace Td booster
Diphtheria and pregnancy. What to know?
Should receive Tdap vaccine in EACH pregnancy
How is tetanus transmitted? (2)
- Wound contamination with soil, feces, or dust
- NOT SPREAD PERSON-TO-PERSON
What are the signs and symptoms of tetanus? (2)
Onset 3-21 days
- Painful muscle spasms beginning with jaw muscles (tetanus also known as “lockjaw”)
- Complications: convulsions, respiratory failure
What is the mortality of tetanus?
Unimmunized 10-80%, highest in very young/old individuals
How does the tetanus vaccine work? (2)
- Toxoid vaccine
- Contains detoxified tetanus toxin (antigen), so immune system produces antibodies towards the toxin
True or False? The tetanus vaccine is a standalone vaccine
False - only available as a combo vaccine
e.g., DTap-IPV, Tdap, Td
What is the tetanus vaccine schedule in childhood? (2)
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION
1. SK Primary Series: 4 doses (2,4,6,18 months), then
2. Booster: 4-6 years & in Grade 8
Accoriding to NACI - what is the tetanus booster schedule in adults?
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
Td booster ever 10 years (routine)
- Can also get if serious cuts/deep wounds & last tetanus vaccine was more than 5 years ago
Tetanus vaccine and pregnancy. What to know?
Should receive Tdap vaccine in EACH pregnancy
How does Clostridium tetani cause tetanus? (2)
- Found in the soil and feces
- Releases a neurotoxin
How does Bordetella pertussis cause pertussis?
Produce toxin –> paralyze respiratory cell cilia
How is pertussis transmitted? (2)
- Respiratory droplets (e.g., sneezing or coughing)
- Close face-to-face contact (highly contagious)
When is pertussis (whooping cough btw) most contagious?
Contagious during the catarrhal stage (1-2 weeks) and the first two weeks after cough onset
True or False? You can contract pertussis more than once
True, immunity wanes over time
Complications of pertussis is seen most in which population? What are the complications (3)?
Most in infants
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
- Encephalopathy
Pertussis vaccine is aP or ap. What does that mean?
Only available as acellular preparation in a combination vaccine
aP = pediatric formulation (higher conc)
ap = adolescent/adult formulation (reduced conc)
DTaP is intended for children up to age _, while Tdap is a booster for ___________ and ______
6; adolescents and adults
What is the pertussis vaccine schedule in childhood? (2)
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION
1. SK Primary Series: 4 doses (2,4,6,18 months), then
2. Booster: 4-6 years & in Grade 8
According to NACI - what is the pertussis booster schedule in adults?
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
Td booster every 10 years (routine)
- Can also get if serious cuts/deep wounds & last tetanus vaccine was more than 5 years ago
- Should receive Tdap x 1 to replace Td booster (vaccinate for pertussis once in adulthood)
A 20-year old patient asks you the following, “My pregnant sister wants me to get vaccinated for whooping cough. I got all my vaccines in school, but nothing else since. Do I need this?” What advice would you give?
a. No. Family members are not recommended to get vaccinated
b. No. You don’t need a booster for whooping cough
c. Yes. Family members are recommended to get vaccinated
d. Yes. You need a whooping cough booster every 10 years
c.
b. is also partially correct - you only need the ONE booster in adulthood
A 40-year-old patient is scheduled for a Tdap booster with public health. They ask you the following, “I was vaccinated and had whooping cough as a kid, why do I need this?” What advice would you give?
a. Booster doses are common with these types of vaccines (inactivated)
b. It’s recommended that all adults get vaccinated for whooping cough once as an adult
c. Whooping cough immunity wanes over time
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
d.
How is polio (IPV) transmitted?
Fecal-oral
What are the signs and symptoms of polio? (2)
- Flu-like symptoms e.g. fever, headache, sore throat, N/V, weakness
- Can lead to meningitis, limps, post-polio syndrome paralysis
What polio vaccine is used in Canada?
Inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV)
Polio vaccine is available as a _____ and _________
combo (Tdap-IPV); individual (IPV IMOVAX Polio)
What is the polio vaccine schedule in childhood? (2)
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION IN CHILDREN HERE
1. SK Primary Series: 4 doses (2,4,6,18 months), then
2. Booster age 4-6 years
What is the polio vaccine schedule in adults?
There is none. There is no routine booster. Can check the SK Adult Immunization schedule (18+) - booster for those with increased risk of polio exposure e.g., travel to areas with outbreaks
A patient was looking at a polio vaccine handout and tells you the following. Please select the statement which is most accurate.
a. Most adults need a polio booster
b. Polio can lead to pneumonia
c. Polio is transmitted through stool of infected individuals
d. Polio is not routinely vaccinated for in children
c.
How is Hib transmitted?
Respiratory droplets (e.g., sneezing, coughing)
True or False? Haemophilus influenzae type b is the same as the “flu”
False - it’s a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria
In Canada, who is most infected with Hib?
Children <5 years old
What are the signs and symptoms of Hib? (6)
- Acute otitis media
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Bacteremia
- Epiglottitis
- Death rate up to 5% and deafness up to 20% (secondary to meningitis)
What are the two types of Hib vaccine?
Available as combo vaccine e.g., DTap-IPV-Hib or
Individually e.g., Hib (Act-HIB brand)
What is the Hib vaccine schedule in childhood?
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
SK Primary Series: 3 doses (2, 4, 6 months), then 1 booster (18 months)
Adult booster for Hib. Yay or nay?
Nay - no routine booster
A father asks you about vaccines for his infant. What advice do you provide about Haemophilus influenzae?
a. Can sometimes lead to acute otitis media infections
b. Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact
c. Mostly commonly affects children 7 years of age or younger
d. Is only administered to individuals at high risk of disease
a.
How is rotavirus transmitted?
Fecal-oral route
What are the signs and symptoms of rotavirus?
- Appear 1-3 days after a person has become infected –> fever, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Diarrhea can last from 3-8 days
How long is rotavirus contagious?
Contagious - before the individual becomes ill and for 24 hours after diarrhea stops
What type of vaccine is the rotavirus vaccine?
Live attenuated oral vaccine
Rotavirus vaccine is contraindicated in what population?
Immunosuppressed infants
What are the 2 types of rotavirus vaccines available?
Pentavalent (ROTATEQ 3 doses) or monovalent (ROTARIX 2 doses)
The pentavalent ROTATEQ (or Rot-5) rotavirus vaccine is the one given in children in SK. What’s the schedule?
WE GET THIS ON EXAM
3 doses at 2, 4, 6 months (2 mL po)
Can babies eat before or after receiving the rotavirus vaccine?
Babies can breastfeed, eat and drink any time before or after receiving the rotavirus vaccine
What happens if an infant spits up or regurgitates the rotavirus vaccine?
If infant spits up or regurgitates, a replacement dose should NOT be administered
Rotavirus sheds in stool for up to __ days. Who is cautioned in this situation?
10;
Handwashing; immunocompromised household members should avoid changing diapers for the period