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Information

  1. RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE FOR ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION OF HEALTHY INFANTS AND CHILDREN (see Table 5-2. Child Preventive Care Timeline ).
  2. ASSESSMENT: common side effects of immunizations (occur 24 to 48 hours after immunization except as noted):
    1. Soreness, redness, tenderness, or lump at injection site.
    2. Fever: brief, mild to moderate.
    3. Crankiness and fussiness; anorexia; drowsiness.
    4. Measles—coryza and rash 7 to 10 days after immunization.
    5. Rubella—arthralgia and arthritis-like symptoms 2 weeks after immunization.
  3. NURSING INTERVENTIONS/HOME CARE for infant or child who has been immunized:
    1. pillImageExplain to parents the reason for each immunization and common side effects.
    2. Suggest acetaminophen for fever or discomfort.
    3. Extra affection and closeness—cuddling, soothing, rocking.
    4. Teach parents to notify physician of untoward, serious, or prolonged side effects.
  4. CONTRAINDICATIONS/PRECAUTIONS TO IMMUNIZATIONS
    1. Child who has a severe febrile illness (e.g., URI, gastroenteritis, or any fever).
    2. Child with alteration in skin integrity: rash, eczema.
    3. Child with alteration in immune system; steroids; chemotherapy, radiation therapy; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (no live virus vaccine).
    4. Child with a known allergic reaction to previous immunization or substance in the immunization.
    5. Recent recipient of blood/blood products.
  5. CHILDHOOD COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (Table 5.19. Communicable Diseases of Childhood).Basic principles of care:
    1. Standard precautions to prevent communicability/infection.
    2. pillImageFever control with acetaminophen.
    3. foodImageExtra fluids for hydration.
    4. General home care procedures: comfort measures/supportive care.