1. Immunization 1 What you need to know
Prepared by Public Health Services 2010 Version 2.0

2. 2010-2011 Grade 7 & 8 Immunization Program
For females & males:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Acellular Pertussis (dTap)
Meningococcal C
Hepatitis B
For females only: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
dTap is three vaccines in one and prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
dTap is given in a single needle
The HPV vaccine is given as a series of 3 needles over 6 months
Hepatitis B Vaccine is given as a series of 3 needles
Meningococcal C is a single needle
3 immunization clinics
6 month vaccination schedule 2
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

3. The importance of immunizations:3
Some diseases, like tetanus, are spread in the environment
Other diseases, like diphtheria, are spread through direct physical contact (touching) or through the air (breathing, coughing)
Travel can spread rare diseases quickly
For many diseases that are prevented by vaccines, there are no effective treatments
Vaccines save lives and are part of a Public Health success story
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4. Vaccine successes: Smallpox & Polio4
Smallpox was one of the most deadly diseases in human history
The virus was transmitted through the air when an infected person breathed out, coughed or sneezed
Children are no longer vaccinated against smallpox
Other example: Polio
Virus causes paralysis and breathing problems
Eliminated in most of the world (Salk vaccine, 1955)
If all children are vaccinated, polio will be eradicated (wiped out)
Smallpox is an acute, contagious, and sometimes fatal disease caused by the variola virus (an orthopoxvirus), and marked by fever and a distinctive progressive skin rash. In 1980, the disease was declared eradicated following worldwide vaccination programs.
Smallpox can be prevented through use of the smallpox vaccine.
The picture of smallpox above (from a medical textbook) shows what smallpox looks like on the skin
There is no proven treatment for smallpox.
POLIO: The polio virus may affect the nerves governing the muscles in the limbs and the muscles necessary for breathing, causing respiratory difficulty and paralysis of the arms and legs.
Vaccines is the best success in decreasing diseases
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

5. Smallpox 5
Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal disease
Caused by the variola virus
Eliminated by vaccines
From the US CDC:
Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. The pox part of smallpox is derived from the Latin word for “spotted” and refers to the raised bumps that appear on the face and body of an infected person.
The last naturally occurring case in the world was in Somalia in After the disease was eliminated from the world, routine vaccination against smallpox among the general public was stopped because it was no longer necessary for prevention.
Smallpox is caused by the variola virus that emerged in human populations thousands of years ago.
Transmission
Generally, direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpox from one person to another. Smallpox also can be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. Rarely, smallpox has been spread by virus carried in the air in enclosed settings such as buildings, buses, and trains. Humans are the only natural hosts of variola. Smallpox is not known to be transmitted by insects or animals.
A person with smallpox is sometimes contagious with onset of fever, but the person becomes most contagious with the onset of rash. At this stage the infected person is usually very sick and not able to move around in the community. The infected person is contagious until the last smallpox scab falls off.
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

6. How do vaccines work? 6
Vaccines are weakened/killed versions of bacteria or viruses
“Mimic” infection in the body
Immune system uses antibodies & white blood cells to develop an “immune memory” against the disease
virus
Preservatives that are used in vaccines are found naturally in the body already.
There is no proof that these preservatives lead to any problems.
antibody
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7. Can I get sick from a vaccine?7
Vaccines are very safe
You cannot get tetanus, Diphtheria, pertussis, meningitis, HPV or Hepatitis B from a vaccine
Possible side effects:
pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
mild headache, fever, chills, diarrhea, nausea, body aches, low energy and sore joints
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8. Tetanus 8
Toxin affects the spinal cord  painful muscle spasm and seizures
Found in soil, rusty nails, animal bites, etc.
Even with treatment, tetanus can cause death
Last tetanus death in Canada was in 1991
Tetanus is caused by a toxin (nerve poison) and is NOT contagious person-to-person
20-30% cases result in death (even with treatment)
Tetanus germs have a reputation for hanging out on rusty nails, but the spores (dormant forms of the bacteria) can be found almost anywhere -- and they are extremely hardy. Tetanus is more common when it's warm and humid, but can be found in all climates. The spores are common in soils around the world, especially in areas with lots of people or animals, including farms, jungles, and your own backyard. The germ is found in the intestines of people as well as cats, dogs, and other domestic animals, and you can get it from an animal bite.
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

9. Diphtheria Caused by a bacterial toxin9
Caused by a bacterial toxin
Spread through touching, coughing, sneezing
A thick membrane blocks the airway
Can cause nerve and kidney damage
Before the vaccine was created in the 1920s over 1000 deaths/year occurred in Canada
Since 1983, less than 5 cases/year
The word diphtheria is Greek for “leather scrolls” – probably because of the leathery membrane that develops in the mouth and throat and obstructs the airway
In cases that progress beyond a throat infection, diphtheria toxin spreads through the bloodstream and can lead to potentially life-threatening complications that affect other organs of the body, such as the heart and kidneys. The toxin can cause damage to the heart that affects its ability to pump blood or the kidneys' ability to clear wastes. It can also cause nerve damage, eventually leading to paralysis. Up to 40% to 50% of those who don't get treated can die.
Diphtheria is highly contagious. It's easily passed from the infected person to others through sneezing, coughing, or even laughing. It can also be spread to others who pick up tissues or drinking glasses that have been used by the infected person.
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

10. Pertussis Also known as “whooping cough”10
Also known as “whooping cough”
Germs (bacteria) are spread through coughing
Before vaccine: 30,000-50,000 cases/year and deaths
Today: 3,000 cases/year and 5 deaths/year
Pertussis (whooping cough) is an infection caused by a bacteria.
The infection usually begins with a runny nose and a cough. Soon, the cough may end in gagging, vomiting or trouble breathing. Sometimes after a coughing attack, the child may give a loud "whoop" when breathing in, which is why the infection has been called "whooping cough". The "whooping" symptom does not always occur.
It takes a long time for children to get over pertussis. They are usually sick for 6 to 10 weeks. The disease is most severe in infants younger than one year of age. Many of these infants become so sick that they have to be cared for in hospital.
Pertussis spreads very easily from person to person in the same household or day nursery.
The germs are spread through the air when a person coughs. People with pertussis can spread germs from the time they have the first symptoms (runny nose then cough) until three weeks after the coughing attack starts.
More adult cases in recent years
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

11. Meningitis 11
Meningitis is an infection of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord
The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults.
Meningitis is an infection of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord.
The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults. Also at risk are older adults and people who have long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune system.
There are two main kinds of meningitis: Viral meningitis is fairly common. It usually does not cause serious illness. In severe cases, it can cause prolonged fever and seizures. Bacterial meningitis is not as common but is very serious. It needs to be treated right away to prevent brain damage and death.
What causes meningitis?
Viral meningitis is caused by viruses. Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria. Meningitis can also be caused by other organisms and some medicines, but this is rare. Meningitis is contagious. The germs that cause it can be passed from one person to another through coughing and sneezing and through close contact.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms among teens and young adults are:
A stiff and painful neck, especially when you try to touch your chin to your chest.
Fever.
Headache.
Vomiting.
Trouble staying awake.
Seizures.
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

12. Presented by Public Health Services 2010
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that causes the liver to swell, and can lead to other liver problems such as cancer.
There is no cure!
You can get it through blood and body fluids
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is found in the blood, semen, and vaginal secre­tions of an infected person.
HBV is a hardy virus that can exist on almost any surface for up to one month. You can get infected with HBV through contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. HBV can be spread in the following ways:
• unprotected vaginal or anal sex
• living in a household with a person with chronic (life-long) HBV infection
• sharing personal care items such as toothbrushes, razors, or nail clippers
• sharing needles or paraphernalia (works) for illegal drug use
• tattooing or body piercing with unsterile equipment. Tattoo and piercing shops are not regulated in Nova Scotia. So their needles could be dirty!
• human bites
You do not get hepatitis B from sneezing, coughing, kissing, or holding hands.
Promote safe and healthy sex practices
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

13. Presented by Public Health Services 2010
Human Papilloma Virus
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both females and males
There are many types of HPV:
Some types of HPV are harmless
Some types of HPV lead to cervical cancer or genital warts
THERE IS NO CURE FOR HPV
HPV vaccine can prevent 2 types of viruses that cause cervical cancer and 2 types that cause genital warts
HPV is the most common STI (almost everyone gets HPV t some time in their life)
Often, the body gets rid of HPV on its own and the infected person never knows about it
There are many different types of HPV. Some are harmless and other types lead to cervical cancer or genital warts.
There is no cure for HPV, but the HPV vaccine prevents the two types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancer
Tests have shown that the HPV vaccine works best when given to girls between the ages of 9 and 15; this is why it is offered to grade 7 girls.
Nova Scotia has very high Cervical Caner rates compared to the rest of the country.
Gardasil is the vaccine offered 13
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

14. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
What is it?
What does it do?
How do you get it?
Can it be treated and cured?
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
Caused by a virus
One of the most common STI viruses
Some types of HPV cause genital warts (growths in, on, or around the genitals or anal area)
Other types can cause cancer of the cervix, penis, or anus
Skin-to-skin contact with the genital area of an infected person
There is no cure for HPV, but in some cases, over time, the virus goes away on its own
Genital warts can be treated but may come back
SEX? – A Healthy Sexuality Resource

15. Clinic Day: The nurse’s role15
Our Public Health team can answer questions and provide support
We will also give you a paper record following the completion of your vaccines
You will be asked some Questions and all your answers will be kept confidential
Presented by Public Health Services 2010

16. Clinic Day: Tips to make it better
Eat a healthy breakfast
Wear a short-sleeved T-shirt
Be a supportive friend for others
RELAX:
Go to your ‘happy place’!
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17. Helpful Tips Take slow deep Breaths Sit up straight
Keep yourself distracted
Have a conversation with the nurse
Bring a comfort item to focus on

18. A great way to defend yourself
ANY QUESTIONS?
VACCINES:
A great way to defend yourself 18
Presented by Public Health Services 2008