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Immunization Update by ANTHONY B. MINNEFOR, M.D.
Exploring the Pneumococcal Vaccine Earlier versions of pneumococcal vaccine have been available since 1985 for children above two years of age who are at increased risk of invasive disease (sickle cell disease, splenic absence or abnormality of the heart or lung, renal conditions, immunodeficiency, diabetes, cancer and children with cerebrospinal fluid leaks). Others at increased risk include Native American and African-American children and those attending out-of-home day care. These "older vaccines," however, were not recommended for children less than two years of age because of a poor antibody response in that age group. Prevnar®, which utilizes methodologies similar to the enormously effective hemophilus influenza vaccine (HIB), elicits protective antibody even in very young infants. Accordingly, the dosage schedule calls for immunization at age two months, four months and six months with a booster between 12 and 15 months for all children. The schedule is modified and vaccine type may change for older children and those at increased risk of infection (see above). In these instances, parents are asked to speak to their child's physician for a more individualized regimen. When administered as recommended, Prevnar® Not surprisingly, Prevnar® has an enviable safety record. The vaccine contains no live micro-organisms and utilizes technology that has a proven safety record with HIB. Adverse reactions are largely limited to areas of redness and/or swelling in five or six percent of recipients. Fever occurs with increased frequency within 48 hours of administration when given concomitantly with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. An Immunization That May Help College Students It has been shown that a single injection of meningococcal vaccine produces concentrations of antibody that should be protective for up to five years. The American College Health Association recommends this vaccine, and many pediatricians are making the vaccine available to their patients who request it. Many college health services are actively promoting use of this vaccine on entry to school and some require it for admission. Again, the student's physician will be a good source of information concerning this useful vaccine. Flu Vaccine Recommended for Many Populations Finally, the flu season is upon us. The influenza vaccine is given annually to address changes in the viral strains causing illness and to boost immunity. It is about 70 percent effective when the vaccine contains the strain(s) circulating in the population. The claims of adverse reactions, especially the vaccine "causing the flu," is more myth than fact. Contemporary preparations are highly purified and reaction rates are acceptably low and mild when they do occur. Presently, the vaccine is recommended for traditional high-risk populations of children (chronic asthma, cystic fibrosis, etc.) over six months of age. It has been shown, however, that influenza is capable of causing considerable morbidity, both directly and indirectly predisposing to complication such as pneumonia, otitis and sinusitis in healthy children as well. It would be prudent to discuss the influenza vaccine with your child's pediatrician. For a referral to a Saint Barnabas Medical Center pediatrician, please call 1-888-SBMC-DOC. [ top ] |
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National coverage for routinely recommended immunizations remains at or near record levels. In order to sustain this enviable record, it is necessary to adjust or modify immunization schedules as new vaccines become available.
