Vaccines Flashcards
Why should immunosuppressed patients not be given vaccines?
Their immune response may be impaired and generalised infection may occur with live vaccines.
What course of action should be taken when infants exposed to a TNF-alpha inhibitor and require vaccination with a live vaccine?
The vaccination should be deferred until the age of 6 months.
In patients taking immunosuppressive drugs (e.g. high dose corticosteroids, cancer chemotherapy), what course of action should be taken should they require vaccination?
Expert advice should be sought.
Who is at a greater risk of experiencing febrile convulsions after immunisation?
Thise with a history of neurological problems.
What should be used to control fever and reduce the risk of febrile convulsions?
Posti-immunisation antipyretics.
What dose of paracetamol can be given to a child aged 2-3 months to treat post-immunisation pyrexia?
60mg as a single dose repeated once after 4-6 hours prn.
What dose of ibuprofen can be given to a child aged 2-3 months to treat post-immunisation pyrexia?
50mg as a single dose repeated once every 6 hours if necessary.
With regards to anaphylaxis, when are vaccines contraindicated?
Contraindicated in patients with confirmed anaphylaxis to a preceding vaccine dose containing the same antigens or vaccine components.
Why should live vaccines not be administered to pregnant women?
Due to the risk of infection to the foetus.
Is vaccination with a live vaccine contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers?
Although there is a theoretical risk of the presence of live vaccine in breast milk, this is not contraindicated.
When administering a vaccine, why should the alcohol from an alcohol swab be allowed to evaporate before administration?
To avoid inactivation of the vaccine.
If two or more vaccines require administration at the same time, how should this be done?
They can be administered together at a different site at least 2.5 cm apart or on another limb.
Can vaccines be administered IV?
No.
Which route of administration should be used to administer vaccines in those patients with bleeding disorders?
Deep subcutaneous administration, not IM.
What is the usual temperature range for the storage of vaccines?
Between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.
