1. The client/caregiver can give important facts about immunizations.
   1. Immunization for both children and adults is one of the best examples of primary prevention. They prevent the initial occurrence of a specific disease.
   2. Vaccines contain a killed or weakened form or derivative of specific infectious germs.
   3. This vaccine given to a healthy person will trigger an immune response without exposure to the actual disease-producing germ.
   4. Later, if exposed to the real disease, the body will produce antibodies to destroy the disease.
2. The client/caregiver can list any possible reactions to childhood immunizations.
   1. The most common reactions include
      • Redness or swelling at the site of injection
      • Rash
      • Fever
3. The client/caregiver can list measures to manage common reactions to immunizations.
   1. Pain at the injection site
      1. Apply ice or cold compress to the area for 20 minutes.
      2. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen per physician’s recommendation.
   2. Fever
      1. For a fever over 102°F, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen per physician’s recommendation.
   3. General reactions for children that do not need treatment unless they have not resolved in 24 to 48 hours are
      • Mild fussiness, irritability, or restless sleep
      • Decreased appetite or activity level
4. The client/caregiver can describe symptoms that need the prompt attention of a physician.
   1. Fever that lasts more than 3 days
   2. Pain that lasts more than 3 days
   3. An injection site that shows signs of infection
5. The client/caregiver can list one treatment/medication to avoid with children.
   1. Never give aspirin for fever or pain to a child.
   2. Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious brain disease that can result from the use of aspirin in children.
6. The client/caregiver can list the recommended immunizations for children and adults (2007 schedule).
   1. Childhood immunizations should include
      • Hepatitis B
      • Rotavirus
      • Diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus
      • Haemophilus influenza type b
      • Pneumococcal
      • Inactivated poliovirus
      • Influenza
      • Measles, mumps, and rubella
      • Varicella
      • Hepatitis A
      • Meningococcal
   2. Adult immunizations should include
      • Tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (Td/Tdap)
      • Human papillomavirus (HPV2) for females
      • Measles, mumps, and rubella
      • Varicella
      • Influenza
      • Pneumococcal
      • Hepatitis A
      • Hepatitis B
      • Meningococcal
   3. Contact health care provider or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on immunization schedules, requirements, and any updates.

Resources

American Academy of Family Physicians
www.aafp.org

American Academy of Pediatrics
www.cispimmunize.org

National Immunization Program
www.cdc.gov/Nip/recs/child-schedule

Women, Infants, and Children
www.fns.usda.gov/wic

Community health clinics

References

Hitchcock, J. E., Schubert, P. E., & Thomas, S. A. (2003). Community health nursing: Caring in action. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning.
Hunt, R. (2005). Introduction to community based nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Muscari, M. E. (2005). Pediatric nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Perry, A., & Potter, P. (2006). Clinical nursing skills & technique. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.
Timby, B. K. (2005). Fundamental nursing skills and concepts. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.