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BabyImmunisationRecommendations for immunisations
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Recommendations for immunisations

by Dr Howard Lee
Below are tables with the current recommendations for immunisations.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
Hepatitis B, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Meningitis C
Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis
What causes the disease? Bacteria Toxin from Bacteria Bacteria
Do we actually still see this disease in the UK? Very Rarely Occasionally Quite often
Is it contagious? Moderately Not at all Extremely
How is it transmitted? Coughing, sneezing, etc. Infection of cuts in skin Coughing, sneezing, etc
What can happen if you get the disease? Obstruction of breathing Severe muscle spasms Severe cough, loss of breath
Can it cause death? Yes Possible but not commonly Yes
Notifications of Infectious Diseases in England and Wales 2(1990) with 92% vaccine uptake - 23(1999) with 96% vaccine uptake 9(1990) - 3(1999) 15,286(1990) - 1,139(1999)
What are the initials for the vaccine? DTP vaccine since 1990 (Triple) DTP DTP
How many injections are needed in total? 4 4 and then 1 every 10 yrs 3
When are the injections typically given? 2,3,4, months & 3-4 years 2,3,4, months & 3-4 years 2,3,4, months
What are common side effects? Pain at injection site, fever, and fretfulness Pain at injection site, fever, and fretfulness Pain at injection site, fever, and fretfulness
What are rare complications? Convulsions, Inconsolable crying, and fever >105 Convulsions, Inconsolable crying, and fever >105 Convulsions, Inconsolable crying, and fever >105
Who absolutely shouldn't get the vaccine? Previous severe allergic reaction or brain disorder occurring within seven days of last DTP immunisation Previous severe allergic reaction or brain disorder occurring within seven days of last DTP immunisation Previous severe allergic reaction or brain disorder occurring within seven days of last DTP immunisation
Additional Comments Side effects of this injection felt to be mostly from the pertussis portion. TD> Side effects of this injection felt to be mostly from the pertussis portion. Most children who get pertussis (whooping cough) get it from an adult who doesn't realize he has it

Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Meningitis C

Polio Haemophilus influenzae type b Meningitis C
What causes the disease? Virus Bacteria Bacteria
Do we actually still see this disease in the UK? Not at all Occasionally Yes
Is it contagious? Moderately Moderately Yes
How is it transmitted? In the stool of infected persons Coughing, sneezing, etc. Coughing, sneezing, etc.
What can happen if you get the disease? Paralysis Meningitis & infection in blood or skin Meningitis or Septicaemia or combined disease
Can it cause death? Yes Yes Yes
What are the initials for the vaccine? Oral Polio HiB Men C
How many doses are needed total? 4 3 3
When are the injections typically given? 2,3,4 months, 4 years 2,3,4 months 2,3,4 months
What are common side effects? Pain at injection site Pain at injection site Brief illness possible, headache, pain at injection site
What are rare complications? None established None established Possible rare anaphylaxis reaction
Who absolutely shouldn't get the vaccine? Anyone who has immune system problems or has contact with anyone with immune system problems None. However, the Hib is usually given as part of the DTP shot. If there is a reason for not giving the DTP, then a shot for Hib alone may be given Anyone who has acute, severe, febrile illness
Additional Comments None Despite the confusing name, this is NOT the "flu shot." The flu is a viral illness that has a vaccination that is electively given once per year and is not part of standard childhood immunizations Meningitis is the leading infectious cause of death in children in the UK, with increased incidence over the past 5 years.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella,

Measles Mumps Rubella
What causes the disease? Virus Virus Virus
Do we actually still see this disease in the UK? Yes, in occasional outbreaks Rarely Rarely
Is it contagious? Yes Yes Yes
How is it transmitted? Saliva, sneezing, coughing Coughing, sneezing, etc. Saliva, sneezing, coughing
What can happen if you get the disease? Fever, rash, possible brain damage Swollen glands, brain swelling, sterility Mild fever, rash, birth defects if pregnant
Can it cause death? Yes, but uncommonly Yes, but rare Yes, in babies born to mums who have it
Notification in England and Wales 13,302(1990) - 2,438(1999) 4,277(1990) - 1691(1999) 11,491(1990) - 1954(1999)
What are the initials for the vaccine? MMR MMR MMR
How many injections are needed total? 2 2
When are the injections typically given? 12 months and 4-6 years 12 months and 4-6 years 12 months and 4-6 years
What are common side effects? Fever and rash Low grade fever, mildly swollen salivary glands Rash, fever, and swollen glands
What are rare complications? Seizures due to the fever, low platelet count (the cells that help blood clot when you get a cut), and severe allergic reaction Mild allergic reactions Joint pain which goes away in a few weeks
Who absolutely shouldn't get the vaccine? Pregnant women or women planning to be pregnant within 3 months, previous severe allergic reaction to MMR or to neomycin, persons with immune system problems except HIV Pregnant women, those who have has severe allergic reactions to neomycin, persons with immune system problems except HIV Pregnant women, those who have has severe allergic reactions to neomycin, persons with immune system problems except HIV
Additional Comments Anyone who received their first MMR before their first birthday may not be immune and should receive another immunisation none As with all immunisations, the fact that there is a pregnant woman in the household should not be a reason to not immunise a child


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