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

Diptheria

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

How many injections are needed in total?

4 and then 1 every 10 yrs

When are the injections typically given?

2,3,4, months & 3-4 years

2,3,4, months

What are common side effects?

Pain at injection site, fever, and fretfulness

What are rare complications?

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

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

What causes the disease?

Virus

Bacteria

Do we actually still see this disease in the UK?

Not at all

Occasionally

Yes

Is it contagious?

Moderately

Yes

How is it transmitted?

In the stool of infected persons

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

What are the initials for the vaccine?

Oral Polio

HiB

Men C

How many doses are needed total?

When are the injections typically given?

2,3,4 months, 4 years

2,3,4 months

What are common side effects?

Pain at injection site

Brief illness possible, headache, pain at injection site

What are rare complications?

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

What causes the disease?

Virus

Do we actually still see this disease in the UK?

Yes, in occasional outbreaks

Rarely

Is it contagious?

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

How many injections are needed total?

When are the injections typically given?

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

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