Vaccinations Flashcards
what are vaccines
when an inactive or weakened version of a pathogen is introduced into your body in order to fight off an infections by producing antibodies and triggering the immune system
types of vaccines
-inactivated: killed version of the germ
-life attenuated : weakened version of the pathogen
-subunit: only contains part of the pathogen e.g. proteins
-toxoid: made from toxins produced by inactivated bacteria
-mRNA vaccines
-Viral vector vaccines
These two uses either mRNA or a harmless viral vector (that then delivers DNA into the cells) to send instructions to the cells on how to make a harmless piece of virus/pathogen to trigger the immune system
give some examples of vaccine preventable diseases
-measles, mumps and rubella
-chickenpox/varicella
-hepatis A and hepatis B
-covid-19
-rotavirus, viral infection that causes severe diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration in infants and young children
what is influenza
-a highly infectious, acute viral infection of the respiratory tract
-influenzas a and b (not usually c) are responsible for most clinical illness
what is the incubation period for influenza
1-3 days
influenzas symptoms
-fevers
-sore throat
-rhinorrhoea (runny nose)
-muscle aches
who is at risk of influenza
-children
-elderly
-pregnant
-chronic conditions e.g. heart and lung diseases
-carers
-healthcare professionals
how to avoid spreading the flu
-vaccine
-wash hands
-sneeze and cough into your elbow
-stay home if you are sick
who cannot have the flu vaccine
-if you have had serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in it
-e.g. egg protein in some flu vaccines in the UK
how long/how well does the flu vaccine work
-chance of getting the flu even after vaccine, but symptoms are reduced
-takes up to 14 days to work
-important to get a flu vaccine every year due to new strains
how to gain consent for vaccinations
-patient should be informed that info relating to their vaccination may be shared the with NHS England and NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA)
-consent obtained verbally and recorded in pharmacy’s clinical record for the service
-if person lacks capacity to consent, a decision to vaccinate should be made for the individual’s best interests
what is whooping cough and when should it be given
-highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system, causes severe coughing
-pregnant women should take it ideally 16-32 weeks
difference between intramuscular and subcutaneous injections
-intramuscular is a quicker delivery of drugs into the muscle and easier to administer
-subcutaneous is less painful and is used when person has a bleeding disorder, to reduce risk of bleeding
where is the injection site
1) find the acromion process, the bony point at the end of the shoulder
2) place 2 fingers below that and form an upside triangle. bottom point of the triangle is located at the level of the axilla (armpit)
3) site is in the middle of the triangle
where should needles be disposed and what are the requirements
in a sharps bin
-needles shouldn’t be bent or broken
what to do if a needle stick injury occur
-encourage wound to bleed by holding it under running water
-wash wound with soap while doing so
-dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster
-seek medical advice to avoid infection or bloodborne viruses ( virus transmitted through blood of infected person)
what are some anaphylaxis symptoms and what is it
anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is life threatening
-feeling faint
-difficulty in breathing
-fast heartbeat
physical appearance symptoms
-swelling of thriat and tongue
-wheezing
-cold skin/ pale
-ithcy rash
what is the recovery position
-on your side
-hand supporting head
-one knee up to stop body from rolling onto stomach (like my sleeping position)
emergency treatment of acute anaphylaxis dosage
Adrenaline dosage
- for adults, 500mcg. doses repeated several times at 5 minute intervals if necessary according to pulse, blood pressure and respiratory function
-for child 1 month- 2 years, 150mcg
-for child 6-11 years, 300 mcg
-for child 12-17 years 500mcg
how to use the adrenaline auto injector for anaphylaxis
Intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh, the side of the thigh outwards facing up
-can be injected through clothing or directly onto the skin
-hold firmly against thigh for a few seconds
-massage around area to accelerate absorption
when to call 999 for anaphylaxis
after administering first dose/ in full e.g. adults 500mcg
