Introduction
Immunization of the pediatric and adult populations has resulted in the promotion of people’s well-being and the prevention of deaths. It involves introducing an antigen into the body in various ways, thereby sensitizing the pathogenic organism. The immune system becomes activated to fight such disease-causing microorganisms in future infections. The vaccines can be introduced to the body through intramuscular injections, subcutaneous injections, or oral routes (Drutz et al., 2021). Some regulations guide the scheduling of the administration of vaccines (Committee on Infectious Diseases, 2016). Different states and countries have varying immunization schedules. This paper will address the children populations’ vaccination schedule between 0 to 10 years, including the contraindications to some vaccines among this patient group.
Regulation of Immunizations
The scheduling of vaccines differs according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regulations. The timing of vaccines is updated yearly to reduce infant morbidity and mortality rates from preventable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) generate annual regulations to vaccinate children and adolescents (Committee on Infectious Diseases, 2016). The rules provided by the ACIP give information on the indications, contraindications, and background information of each child. There is a total of ten recommended vaccines for children between the ages of zero to ten years. These vaccines are hepatitis A (HepA); hepatitis B (HepB); measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); varicella (VAR); Hib; PCV13; inactivated poliovirus (IPV); inactivated influenza (IIV) and diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccines (Drutz et al., 2021, p. 14). Children who get immunized have an improved immune response to these conditions.
Immunization Schedule in Children
Regulations exist for the vaccination of children between zero to ten years of age. The Haemophilus Influenzae Type B vaccine is administered in three doses after every four weeks, beginning in the second month of life. According to ACIP, the first dose of MMR is twelve to fifteen months, while the second dose is to be administered between four to six years (Committee on Infectious Diseases, 2016). Experts recommend annual vaccination of the influenza vaccine, starting from six months of age up to eighteen years. The meningococcal vaccine is only recommended for children living in high-risk areas, including living in communities with high incidences of meningococcal infections or a history of traveling to places with a high prevalence of these infections (Committee on Infectious Diseases, 2016). Furthermore, the PCV13 vaccine is immunized against streptococcal pneumonia disease. The PCV13 should be given in four doses at ages two, four, six months, and twelve and fifteen months. The adherence to this schedule promotes the optimal in children.
Contraindications
Patients with certain health complications are exempted from receiving some vaccinations due to an associated worsening condition. For instance, the vaccination of the second dose of DTap immunization is contraindicated in patients who suffered from a severe anaphylactic reaction to the first dose of DTaP (Committee on Infectious Diseases, 2016). Additionally, healthcare personnel should practice caution in the vaccination of DTap to children with a history of epilepsy. Moreover, the LAIV vaccine for influenza is contraindicated in children who are currently taking aspirin medication. It is also limited to children with asthma or who have a history of wheezing and difficulty breathing within the past year. The MMR vaccine is contraindicated in immunocompromised children, including those suffering from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Therefore, healthcare providers should practice caution during immunizations to reduce the risk of experiencing adverse events following immunizations.
Conclusion
Vaccinations are effective in averting preventable infections in children and adults, as they improve the body’s capacity to fight infections. The ACIP has generated recommendations for the vaccinations of children from birth to ten years of age. Adherence to the recommended immunization schedule is required for the improvement of the body’s immunity. Furthermore, caution should be taken in individuals with previous allergic reactions to vaccines or those who have an immunocompromised state.
References
Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2016). Recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule—United States, 2016. Pediatrics, 133(2), 357-363.
Drutz, J. E., Duryea, T. K., Edwards, M. S., & Torchia, M. M. (2021) Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunization in children 7 through 18 years of age. UpToDate. Web.