Recent News and Articles on the Keywords: child immunizations + immunizations + web  Related to the article below (Last Update: 8/7/2008)

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Your Child's Immunizations

When a child is born, she usually has immunity to certain diseases. This is a result of the disease-fighting antibodies that have passed through the placenta from the mother to the unborn child. After birth, the breastfed baby gets the continued benefits of additional antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the immunity is only temporary.

Immunization (vaccination) is an artificial way of creating immunity to certain diseases - by using relatively harmless substances called antigens that come from or are similar to the components of microorganisms that cause the diseases.

Microorganisms can be viruses, such as measles virus, or they can be bacteria, such as pneumococcus. Vaccines stimulate the immune system into reacting as if there were a real infection. The immune system then fights off the "infection" and remembers the organism so it can fight it off quickly if it enters the body at some future time.

Some parents may hesitate to give their children a vaccine because they are concerned about complications or their children developing the illness the vaccine is supposed to prevent. Although it's true that some vaccines could have these effects, the likelihood of that happening is very small. Not immunizing your child exposes her to greater health risks associated with contracting the disease the vaccine is intended to prevent.

Immunization is one of the best means of protecting your child against contagious diseases. The following vaccinations and schedule are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Please note that some variations are acceptable and that changes in recommendations frequently occur as new vaccines are developed; your child's doctor will determine the best vaccinations and schedule for your child.

Hep B
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a virus that infects the liver. Those who are infected can become lifelong carriers of the virus and may develop long-term problems such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or cancer of the liver.

Immunization Schedule
Hepatitis B vaccine usually is given as a series of three injections. The first shot is given to infants shortly after birth. If the mother of a newborn carries the hepatitis B virus in her blood, the infant needs to receive the first shot within 12 hours after birth. If a newborn's mother shows no evidence of HBV in her blood, the infant may receive the shot any time prior to leaving the hospital. It also may be deferred until the 4- or 8-week visit to the child's doctor.

If the first shot is given shortly after birth, the second shot is given at 1 to 2 months and the third at 6 months. For infants who do not receive the first shot until 4 to 8 weeks, the second shot is given at 3 to 4 months and the third at 6 to 18 months. In either case, the second and third shots usually are given in conjunction with other routine childhood immunizations.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine probably creates lifelong immunity. Infants who receive the HBV series should be protected from hepatitis B infection not only throughout their childhood but also into the adult years. Eliminating the risk of HBV infections also decreases risk for cirrhosis of the liver, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer. Young adults and adolescents should also receive the vaccine if they did not as infants.

Possible Risks
Serious problems associated with receiving the HBV vaccine are rare. Problems that do occur tend to be minor, such as fever or redness or tenderness at the injection site.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization

• if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
• if severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs after an injection of the HBV vaccine

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization
The vaccine may cause mild soreness and redness at the place the shot was given; this may be treated with pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

• if you are not sure of the recommended schedule for the hepatitis B vaccine
• if you have concerns about your own HBV carrier state
• if moderate or serious adverse effects appear after an HBV injection has been given to your child

PCV
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against pneumococcal infections. The bacterium is the leading cause of serious infections including pneumonia, blood infections, and bacterial meningitis.

Children under 2 years old are most susceptible to serious infections with the germ. The pneumococcus bacterium is spread via person-to-person contact. The vaccine prevents pneumococcal disease in children and also helps stop its spread.

Immunization Schedule
PCV immunizations are given as a series of four injections starting at 2 months of age and following at 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months. Children who miss the first dose should still receive the vaccine, and your child's doctor can give you a modified schedule for immunization.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
The vaccine protects children for at least 3 years. The most serious infections affect children younger than 2 years old, and the vaccine will protect them when they're at their greatest risk. PCV is also recommended for children between 2 years and 5 years of age who have:

• sickle cell anemia
• a damaged spleen or no spleen
• HIV/AIDS
• a disease that affects the immune system, such as diabetes or cancer
• to receive medications that affect the immune system, such as steroids or chemotherapy

In addition, these high-risk children may also receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) in addition to the PCV when they're older that 24 months.

The PCV vaccine should also be considered for children between the ages of 2 years and 5 years who are at risk of getting serious pneumococcal infections, including children who are under 3 years of age, are of Alaska Native, American Indian, or African American descent, or who attend group child-care centers.

Possible Risks
Children who receive the PCV vaccine may have redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given. A child may also have a fever after receiving the shot.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization

• if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
• if your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization
The vaccine may cause mild soreness and redness in the area where the shot was given; this may be treated with pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

• if your child missed the first dose of the series
• if a severe allergic reaction, high fever, or unusual behavior occurs after immunization

• diphtheria - a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing difficulty
• tetanus (lockjaw) - a nerve disease, which can occur at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound
• pertussis (whooping cough) - a respiratory illness with cold symptoms that progress to severe coughing (the "whooping" sound occurs when the child breathes in deeply after a severe coughing bout); serious complications of pertussis can occur in children under 1 year of age, and those under 6 months old are especially susceptible

Immunization Schedule
DTaP immunizations are given as a series of five injections and are usually administered at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years (before starting school). After the initial series of immunizations, a vaccine called Td (the booster for tetanus and diphtheria) should be given at ages 11 to 12 if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of DTaP. Then, Td boosters are recommended every 10 years.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
Use of the DTaP vaccine has virtually eliminated diphtheria and tetanus in childhood and has markedly reduced the number of pertussis cases.

Possible Risks
The vaccine frequently causes mild side effects: fever, mild crankiness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and tenderness, redness, or swelling in the area where the shot was given. Seizures following DTaP are usually associated with high fever. Most of these side effects result from the pertussis component of the vaccine. Severe complications caused by DTaP immunization are rare. Most children have little or no problem.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization

• You may want to avoid or delay getting DtaP if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization.
• If your child has an uncontrolled seizure disorder or certain neurologic diseases or seems not to be developing normally, the pertussis component of the vaccine may not be given. Your child may receive a DT (diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine instead.
• If your child has had any of the following after an earlier DTaP, consult with your child's doctor before your child receives another injection of the vaccine:
  • seizures within 3 to 7 days after injection
  • worsening of seizures
  • an allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine, such as mouth, throat, or facial swelling
  • difficulty breathing
  • temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) or higher during the first 2 days after injection
  • shock or collapse during the first 2 days after injection
  • persistent, uncontrolled crying that lasts for more than 3 hours at a time during the first 2 days after injection

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization
Your child may experience fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and soreness. Some doctors recommend a dose just before the immunization.

A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad also may help reduce soreness. Moving or using the limb that has received the injection often reduces the soreness.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

• if you aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided. Children who have had certain problems with the DTaP vaccine usually can safely receive the DT vaccine.
• if complications or severe symptoms develop after immunization, including seizures, fever above 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius), difficulty breathing or other signs of allergy, shock or collapse, or uncontrolled crying for more than 3 hours

Hib
Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria were the leading cause of meningitis in children until the Hib vaccine became available.

Immunization Schedule
The Hib vaccine is given by injection at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months (however, some Hib vaccines are available that do not require a dose at 6 months). A booster dose is given at 12 to 15 months.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
Long-term protection from Haemophilus influenzae type b occurs in more than 90% of infants receiving three doses of the vaccine. Those immunized have protection against meningitis, pneumonia, pericarditis (an infection of the membrane covering the heart), and infections of the blood, bones, and joints caused by the bacteria.

Possible Risks
Minor problems, such as redness or tenderness where the shot was given, may occur. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be given for pain relief.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization

• if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
• if severe allergic reaction occurs after an injection of the Hib vaccine; further Hib immunization may not be given to your child

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization
The vaccine may cause mild soreness and redness in the area where the shot was given; this may be treated with pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

• if you aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
• if moderate or serious adverse reactions appear after the Hib injection

IPV
Polio is a viral infection that can result in permanent paralysis.

Immunization Schedule
The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is usually given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years before entering school.

Until recently, the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) was given in the United States. Updated recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now call for IPV injections. This change eliminates the previous small risk of developing polio after receiving the live oral polio vaccine.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
Protection against polio occurs in more than 95% of the children immunized.

Possible Risks
Side effects include fever and redness or soreness at the site of injection.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization
The injected IPV should not be given to persons with severe allergy to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B.

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization
IPV may cause mild soreness and redness at the site of the injection for several days; this may be treated with pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

• if you aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
• if there are problems after the immunization

Influenza
Influenza, commonly known as "the flu," is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract.

Immunization Schedule
These groups, who are at increased risk of flu-related complications, should be given the flu shot every year to protect against influenza (the flu):

• children 6 to 23 months old
• any child or adult with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and HIV and AIDS
• children - from 6 months to 18 years - on long-term aspirin therapy
• anyone age 65 and older
• women who will be pregnant during the flu season
• anyone who lives or works with infants under 6 months old
• residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
• health-care personnel who have direct contact with patients
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of anyone in any of these high-risk groups

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously recommended that only certain high-risk groups be vaccinated during the flu season because the flu shot was in short supply. This year, the CDC recommended that people in high-risk groups be vaccinated first (before Oct. 24), with those not in high-risk groups receiving them after that. Although there is technically not a shortage of the vaccine, delays in distribution have made it temporarily unavailable in some areas - talk with your doctor about vaccine availability.

Another non-shot option called the nasal mist vaccine came on the market in 2003 and is now approved for use in healthy 5- to 49-year-olds. But this nasal mist isn't for everyone, and can't be used by high-risk children and adults or pregnant women.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
The flu vaccine reduces the average person's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the season. Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, or protection from, the virus.

The shot is usually offered between September and mid-November. Although you can get a flu shot well into flu season, it's best to try to get it earlier rather than later, if your child's doctor thinks it's necessary. However, even as late as January there are still 2 to 3 months left in the flu season, so it's still a good idea to get protection.

Even if you or your child got the vaccine last year, that won't protect you from getting the flu this year, because the protection wears off and flu viruses constantly change. That's why the vaccine is updated each year to include the most current strains of the virus.

Possible Risks
Given as one injection in the upper arm, the flu shot contains killed flu viruses that will not cause your child to get the flu, but will cause your child's body to fight off infection by the live flu virus. Getting a shot of the killed virus causes a person to become protected against that particular type of live flu virus if he or she comes into contact with it.

Some of the most common side effects from the flu shot are soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection. A low-grade fever and aches are also possible. Because the nasal spray flu vaccine is made from live viruses, it may cause mild flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. Very rarely, the flu vaccine can cause serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization
People who should not get the flu shot include:

• infants under 6 months old
• anyone who's severely allergic to eggs and egg products because the ingredients for flu shots are grown inside eggs. If your child is allergic to eggs or egg products, let your child's doctor know before he or she gets a flu shot.
• anyone who's ever had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination
• anyone who has had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS - a rare medical condition that affects the nerves) within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot
• anyone who's sick with a fever

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and soreness. Some doctors recommend a dose just before the immunization. A warm, damp cloth, or a heating pad also may help minimize soreness. Moving or using the limb that has received the injection often reduces the soreness as well.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

• if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
• if there are problems after the immunization

MMR
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). MMR vaccinations are given by injection in two doses. The first is administered at age 12 to 15 months; the second generally is given prior to school entry at age 4 to 6 years.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
Measles, mumps, and rubella are infections that can lead to significant illness. More than 95% of children receiving MMR will be protected from the three diseases throughout their lives.

Possible Risks
Serious problems are rare. Potential mild to moderate adverse effects include rash, fever, swollen cheeks, febrile seizures, and mild joint pain.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization

• if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
• if your child has an allergy to eggs, gelatin, or to the antibiotic neomycin that has required medical treatment
• if your child has received gamma globulin
• if your child has immune system problems related to cancer, leukemia, or lymphoma
• if your child is taking prednisone, steroids, or immunosuppressive drugs
• if your child is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization
If a rash develops without other symptoms, no treatment is necessary and it should resolve within several days. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be given for fever and pain.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

• if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
• if there are problems after the immunization

Varicella
The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox (varicella), a common childhood viral illness.

Immunization Schedule
The varicella vaccine is given by injection between the ages of 12 and 18 months. Older children who have not had chickenpox may also receive the vaccine. Children 13 years or older would need two vaccines at least 1 month apart.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
The varicella vaccine prevents the severe illness in 95% of the children who receive it. It's up to 85% effective in preventing mild illness. If a vaccinated child does get chickenpox, he or she generally has a mild case.

Possible Risks
Serious reactions are extremely rare. Possible mild effects are tenderness and redness where the shot was given, fever, fatigue, and a varicella-like illness. A rash can occur where the shot was given or elsewhere on the body up to 1 month after the injection. It may last for several days but will disappear on its own without treatment.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization

• if your child is ill with anything more serious than a cold, immunization should be delayed
• if your child has an allergy to gelatin or to the antibiotic neomycin that has required medical treatment
• if your child has received gamma globulin
• if your child has immune system problems related to cancer, leukemia, or lymphoma; is taking prednisone, steroids, or immunosuppressive drugs; or is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

How to Care for Your Child After the Immunization
Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor

• if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
• if there are problems after the immunization

MCV4
The meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis.

The vaccine is recommended for kids who are 11 years old, and for kids who are 15 years old, or entering high school or college, who have not yet had the vaccine. It's also recommended for those who are entering college and will be living in a dormitory setting.

Why Receive the Vaccine?
Bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord, is a rare but highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly among kids who are in close quarters. It can be life-threatening if it's not promptly treated. The MCV4 vaccine protects kids against the disease for up to 10 years.

Possible Risks
Some of the most common side effects from this vaccine are swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the injection, along with headache, fever, fatigue, and a rash.

When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization

^*Second dose should be administered at least 1 month after the first dose.

^**Influenza vaccine is recommended every year for high-risk children older than 6 months. High-risk groups include but aren't limited to: children with asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, HIV, or diabetes to protect against influenza (flu). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends vaccinating all infants 6 to 23 months old against the influenza virus. Annual vaccination is available for other children; but in times when the vaccine is in short supply, certain people need it more than others. You and your family's doctor(s) should determine who in your family should get the vaccine in a particular flu season. For children under 9 who are getting a flu shot for the first time, it's given in two separate shots 1 month apart. It can take up to 1 or 2 weeks after the shot for the body to build up protection to the flu.

^***The meningitis vaccine is recommended for kids who are 11 years old, and also for kids who have not had the vaccine who are 15 years old, or entering high school or college, whichever comes first. It is also recommended for children who have a chronic illness, HIV, and those who are traveling to countries where meningitis is common.

^****Tetanus booster. Delay if less than 5 years since last tetanus vaccine injection.

^*****The meningitis vaccine is recommended for teens who are entering college and plan to live in dormitories.

Types of Vaccines
Four different types of vaccines are currently available:

1. Attenuated (weakened) live viruses are used in some vaccines such as in the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
2. Killed (inactivated) viruses or bacteria are used in some vaccines, such as in IPV.
3. Toxoid vaccines contain a toxin produced by the bacterium. For example, the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are toxoid vaccines.
4. Biosynthetic vaccines (such as Hib) contain synthetic substances.

Immunizations for Travel
Specific information about which immunizations are required by travelers to each country worldwide is available directly from the CDC. Ask your doctor for more information.

Depending on the type and length of travel, some vaccines may be recommended. Most immunizations should be given at least 1 month before travel. Take your child's immunization records with you when you travel internationally.

Helping Your Child Through Vaccine Injections
Sometimes it's hard to tell who dreads immunizations more - the parent or the child. Here are some tips to help make the procedure easier for both of you:

• Tell an older child what's going to happen and that the shot helps to keep him or her safe and healthy.
• Tell a younger child that it's OK to cry, but also suggest that your child try to be brave.
• Try to be calm yourself. Your child can pick up on your concerns.
• Distraction at the moment of the injection is helpful. Have your child count, sing a song with you, or look away (perhaps at a picture on the wall). You may want to have a joke or a comment ready.
• Praise your child after the injection is over.
• Plan something fun for after the injection. A trip to the park or playground can make the overall immunization experience less unpleasant.

As uneasy as getting vaccinated may make both you and your child, remember that immunization is one of the best means of protecting your child against contagious diseases.