The importance of immunizations:
Immunization is key to preventing disease among the general population. Vaccines benefit both the people who receive them, and the vulnerable, unvaccinated people around them, because the infection can no longer spread. In addition, immunizations reduce the number of deaths and disability from infections, such as whooping cough and chickenpox.
Although children receive the majority of the vaccinations, adults also need to stay up-to-date on certain vaccinations, including tetanus and diphtheria. In addition, those adults who have never had chickenpox or measles during childhood (nor the vaccines against these specific diseases) should consider being vaccinated. Childhood illnesses such as mumps, measles, and chickenpox can cause serious complications in adults.
About childhood immunizations:
Many childhood diseases can now be prevented by following recommended guidelines for vaccinations. The Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians have approved a series of vaccinations for all children to protect them against diseases, including the following:
- Hep B - to protect against Hepatitis B.
- MMR - to protect against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles).
- Polio vaccine (IPV) - to protect against polio.
- DTaP - to protect against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).
- Hib vaccine - to protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b (which causes spinal meningitis).
- Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) - to protect against pneumonia, infection in the blood, and meningitis.
- Varicella - to protect against chickenpox.
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In 1999, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that the rotavirus vaccine no longer be used because of an increased risk for intussusception (a disorder in which the intestine folds into itself in a telescope fashion). Parents should be reassured that their children who received rotavirus vaccine before July, 1999, are not at increased risk for intussusception now.
Reactions to immunizations:
As with any medication, vaccinations may cause reactions, usually in the form of a sore arm or low-grade fever. Although serious reactions are rare, they can happen, and your child's physician or nurse may discuss these with you before giving the shots. However, the risks of contracting the diseases the immunizations provide protection from are higher than the risks of having a reaction to the vaccine.
Treating mild reactions to immunizations in children:
Children may need extra love and care after getting immunized, because the shots that keep them from getting serious diseases can also cause discomfort for a while. Children may experience fussiness, fever, and pain after they have been immunized.
- fever
DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN.
You may want to give your child acetaminophen, a medication that helps to reduce pain and fever, as directed by your child's physician.
- Give your child plenty to drink.
- Clothe your child lightly. Do not cover or wrap your child tightly.
- Sponge your child in a few inches of lukewarm (not cold!) bath water.
- swelling or pain
DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN. You may want to give your child acetaminophen, a medication that helps to reduce pain and fever, as directed by your child's physician.
A clean, cool washcloth may be applied over the sore area as needed for comfort.
If more serious symptoms occur, call your child's physician right away. These symptoms may include:
- a large area of redness and swelling around the area where the injection was given. The skin area may be warm to touch and very tender. There may also be red streaks coming from the initial site of the injection.
- high fever
- the child is pale or limp
- the child has been crying incessantly for several minutes
- the child has a strange cry that is not normal (a high-pitched cry)
- shaking, twitching, or jerking of the body
About adult immunizations:
Although children receive the majority of the vaccinations, adults also need to stay up-to-date on certain vaccinations, including tetanus and diphtheria. In addition, those adults who have never had chickenpox or measles during childhood (nor the vaccines against these specific diseases) should consider being vaccinated. Childhood illnesses such as mumps, measles, and chickenpox can cause serious complications in adults.
Adults with certain medical conditions and who are planning to travel to foreign countries may also need to be immunized. Always consult your physician.
Who should immunize against the flu?
The flu causes complications that may develop into a more serious disease or become dangerous to some groups, such as elderly people and those with chronic medical conditions. For these reasons, the CDC recommends that the following groups immunize themselves each year:
- persons 65 years old or older (Vaccine effectiveness may be lower for elderly persons, but it can significantly reduce their chances of serious illness or death from influenza.)
- residents of nursing homes and any other chronic care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions
- adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma
- adults and children who have the following medical conditions:
- chronic metabolic diseases (i.e., diabetes)
- renal dysfunction
- immunosuppression
- hemoglobinopathies
- children and teenagers (ages 6 months to 18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy
- women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza (fall-winter) season (The flu vaccine may not be appropriate in all cases. Consult your physician for more information.)
In addition, the following groups should be vaccinated:
- healthcare providers
- employees of nursing homes and chronic care facilities who have contact with patients or residents
- providers of home care to persons at high risk
- household members (including children) of persons in high-risk groups
- persons of any age who wish to decrease their chances of influenza infection, excluding persons who are allergic to eggs
Always consult your physician for more information regarding who should receive the flu vaccine.
Who should get a pneumococcal vaccine?
This vaccine helps prevent pneumonia and blood infections caused by the bacteria, pneumococcus. It is recommended that persons 65 and older receive the vaccine. Younger persons with heart problems, lung disease, diabetes, cirrhosis, kidney problems, or certain patients with cancer should also receive the vaccine. The vaccine is given only once, except in persons with certain medical problems. Consult your physician for information on the pneumococcal vaccine.
Who should get tetanus and diphtheria shots?
Tetanus toxoid prevents lockjaw, an illness which causes painful muscle spasms and can be fatal. Everyone needs a tetanus shot at least once every 10 years. Persons who have not had a tetanus shot in the last five years and have a dirty cut or wound will generally be given one.
Diphtheria is an infection of the throat that can damage the heart or lungs. Like the tetanus shot, all persons need a diphtheria shot once every 10 years.