Microbiology A5 - Principles of Immunisation

Question 1

Normal Childhood Immunisations

Schedule

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

Answer 1

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

2 months - YES
3 months - YES
4 months - YES
12-13 months - NO
3 years and 4 months - BOOSTER
14 years - BOOSTER (Not Pertussis)

Question 2

Normal Childhood Immunisations

Schedule

Haemophilus influenzae Type B

Answer 2

Haemophilus influenzae Type B

2 months - YES
3 months - YES
4 months - YES
12-13 months - YES
3 years and 4 months - NO
14 years - NO

Question 3

Normal Childhood Immunisations

Schedule

Polio (inactivated)

Answer 3

Polio (inactivated)

2 months - YES
3 months - YES
4 months - YES
12-13 months - NO
3 years and 4 months - BOOSTER
14 years - BOOSTER

Question 4

Normal Childhood Immunisations

Schedule

MMR

Answer 4

MMR

2 months - NO
3 months - NO
4 months - NO
12-13 months - YES
3 years and 4 months - BOOSTER
14 years - NO

Question 5

Normal Childhood Immunisations

Varicella

Who receives and when?
What do they receive?
Recommendations for healthcare workers?
Course of action for Varicella-exposed pregnant woman?
Course of action for new baby when mother develops chicken pox @ birth +/- 1 week?

Answer 5

• Only given to close contacts of immunosuppressed people, healthcare workers or lab workers.
• If a significant contact, immunocompromised and non-immune, they are given Varicella immunoglobulin.
• It is currently recommended that non-immune healthcare workers are immunised against Varicella.
• Live attenuated vaccine, 2 doses, 4 weeks apart
• If a non-immune pregnant woman comes into contact with Varicella, she should be given Varicella immunoglobulin.
• If pregnant woman develops chicken pox a week before or after delivery, the baby should be given Varicella immunoglobulin.

Question 6

Additional Immunisation Schedules

Hepatitis B

Answer 6

• Vaccine is given to all healthcare workers and other professionals considered at high risk (police officers, prison officers).
• Can be given to anyone who has, or may have been, exposed.
• Can be given to all babies with mothers or close relatives who are infected with hepatitis B.
• Consists of 3 injections at 1 month intervals followed by a booster at 12 months.
• Further boosters can be given if the patient is subimmune or following suspected exposure.

Question 7

Additional Immunisation Schedules

Tetanus

Answer 7

• Tetanus immunisation was introduced in the UK in 1961, therefore most people born after this date are likely to be fully immunised.
• People with tetanus-prone wounds born before this time or who are uncertain of their immunity should have a booster if they have not received one within the last 10 years.

Question 8

Additional Immunisation Schedules

Influenza

Answer 8

• It is offered to at-risk groups including those over the those over the age of 65, those with severe cardiac, kidney, liver or respiratory disease, diabetics, morbidly obese, asplenic, pregnant, immunocompromised or children age 2-17, or 6 months to 18 and immunocompromised.
• Healthcare workers are also offered the vaccine in order to protect patients and other healthcare staff.
• Live attenuated virus.
  Do not give if allergic to egg or severely immunocompromised (leukaemia, HIV not on HAART, high dose steroids).