Vaccines and Immunisations Claire Bowe Registered Nurse, Non Medical Prescriber

A vaccine is a biological preparation that improves immunity to a particular disease (WHO, 2016).

Vaccines employ innocuous forms of the disease agent, usually from a killed or weakened bacteria or virus, which stimulate antibody production.

A few vaccines employ live bacteria A few vaccines employ live bacteria. The bacteria is weakened but not destroyed. These are: Chicken pox/shingles vaccines MMR BCG Yellow Fever Fluenz Tetra (Nasal spray)

Flu Vaccine The live nasal spray flu vaccines will be offered to: - Children 2 to 4 years and all year 1, 2 and 3 children in school. (Some areas are piloting and will give to all primary school children) - Children aged 2 to 17 with long term health problems It is not suitable for children under 2 years of age (They will receive the injection)

Flu Vaccine Few side effects are seen, mainly a runny nose for a few days. Children respond better to the nasal spray as opposed to the injection

Flu Vaccine It is quick, painless and works immediately It protects against 4 strains of flu Non of the ingredients cause flu

Flu Vaccine It is contra indicated in children with: Severely weakened immune systems Severe egg allergies Severe asthma

Meningitis C This vaccine has been so successful that it is no longer required at 12 weeks of age It is given at 1 years of age

Meningitis B This vaccine is given at 8 and 16 weeks of age It is reactive so can cause pain at the site of injection

Chicken Pox Vaccine This vaccine protects against Varicella Zoster virus It is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule May be offered to siblings of children with severe immuno suppression and non immune healthcare workers

Chicken Pox Vaccine Side effects: Mild rash Sore site Requires 2 doses 4 to 8 weeks apart

MMR It is given as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule due to the severe long term side effects of the diseases

Live Vaccines These give stronger immunity which is often life long, however a severely immuno suppressed child may not produce antibodies rapidly enough and so could develop the disease

Pneumococcal Vaccine Prevenaar (PPC, Pneumo Conjugate vaccine) is used in the under 2’s It protects against 13 strains of Pneumococcal bacterium

Pneumococcal Vaccine Pneumovac (PPV, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) is not suitable for the under 2’s It protects against 23 strains of Pneumococcal bacterium It is 50 to 70% effective The vaccine is given every 5 years to children with underlying health problems

Palivizumab (Synagis) Is a monoclonal antibody It offers short term immunity (28 to 30 days) against respiratory syncytial virus It is administered every 4 weeks from October to February It is usually only given in the 1st year of life

Palivizumab (Synagis) It is very costly It is given according to strict guidelines Healthcare professionals have to apply for funding