Immunizations FAQs Flashcards
Can a pregnant female be immunized?
No live vaccines. COVID is a question s/p no pregnant women in studies. No known risk.
What are the major live vaccines currently in use?
MMR, Varicella, Zostavax (old shingles)
Can HIV patients be vaccinated?
No live vaccines. But if CD4 count is low, vaccine may have no or little efficacy
What is the minimal interval between vaccine doses and why is this clinically relevant?
Typically 4 weeks - may allow someone to speed up a vaccine that usually has a longer interval.
Can 2 vaccines be given in the same office visit?
Live vaccines must be given at the same time or 4 weeks apart. Non-live vaccines (other than COVID) we don’t care.
Why are children not vaccinated immediately following birth?
Because they have mom’s antibodies at birth.
Why don’t antibodies denature in the infant’s stomach while breastfeeding?
Because the infant GI system isn’t fully developed yet
What is the only vaccine administered in the first 30 days of birth?
Hepatitis B because it is 35% transmissible perinatally
Can vaccines be administered to patients that have recently been administered immune globulins or blood products?
Killed vaccines (with the exception of COVID) are not affected. Live vaccines should be administered 2 weeks before or 2 to 11 months after immune globulin administration.
Can I vaccinate someone on high dose steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation?
-Vaccinate 2 weeks before or 3 weeks after chemo/radiation cycle
-Steroids: 14 days of 20mg of prednisone equivalent or more –> defer vaccination
Both of above suppress immune system and vaccine not likely to be effective within time parameters stated - this includes killed vaccines
Can I administer a vaccine when the patient is sick?
If the patient is not sick enough to be seen by a HCP, then they can be vaccinated
Should vaccines be avoided in egg allergies?
Generally no. Unless someone has had a true anaphylactic rxn to egg, they can get the vaccine.
