The basics of pediatric immunizations1.pdfVIP

REVIEW Abstract This article addresses the basic information regarding immunizations that all nurses who care for infants and children should know. It presents a brief overview of immunology and the history of immunization science. Immunization standards, techniques of administration, and the handling of immunobiologics are discussed along with current vaccines, toxoids, and immune sera. Public laws and governmental support resources relating to immunizations are presented as well as are special circumstances, such as foreign adoptions, breastfeeding infants, and those who are immunocompromised. Finally, the pediatric immunization schedule is presented and selected vaccine-preventable diseases are discussed. ? 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. CE—FEATURE ARTICLE: Link to , click “CE Articles” to access the approved and accredited Continuing Education Questions for this featured article. Approval and accreditation are through Mosby Continuing Education and Training. Speci?c instructions and information on the number of credits available and the testing processes can be viewed on the website. From the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Baylor University, Dallas, TX. Address reprint requests to Elizabeth Farren, PhD, RN, Baylor University, 3700 Worth St, Dallas, TX 75006. ? 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1527-3369/04/0401-0002$30.00/0 doi:10.1053/j.nainr.2003.12.005 Continuing Education The Basics of Pediatric Immunizations By Elizabeth Farren PhD, RN and Melanie McEwen, PhD, RN Ahundred years ago, infectious diseases were widely prevalent throughout North America and Europe. Indeed, in 1900, 4 of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States were attributed to them.1 Immunization has greatly reduced deaths from infectious diseases and has resulted in the eradication of smallpox, the elimination of polio in most countries, and the widespread control of many other diseases, including measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. Immunization administ