Immune system

Because they have difficulty forming antibodies against invading antigens until about 2
months of age, newborns are prone to infection. This inability to form antibodies is the
reason that most immunizations against childhood diseases are not given to infants
younger than 2 months of age. Newborns do have some immunologic protection,
because they are born with passive antibodies (immunoglobulin G) from the mother that
crossed the placenta. In most instances, these include antibodies against poliomyelitis,
measles, diphtheria, pertussis, chickenpox, rubella, and tetanus.

Newborns are routinely administered hepatitis B vaccine during the first 12 hours after
birth to protect against this disease (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2005).
Little natural immunity is transmitted against herpes simplex. Any health care personnel
with herpes simplex eruptions (cold sores) should not care for newborns until the
lesions have crusted. Once this occurs, these personnel should use excellent
handwashing techniques, because, without antibody protection, herpes simplex
infections can become systemic or create a rapidly fatal form of the disease in a
newborn.

● Antibodies are passed from mother to baby through the placenta during the third
trimester (last 3 months of pregnancy). This gives the baby some protection
when they are born. The type and amount of antibodies passed to the baby
depends on the mother’s own level of immunity.
● During birth, bacteria from the mother’s vagina is passed on to the baby. This
helps to build the colony of bacteria in the gut that contributes to their immunity.
● After birth, more antibodies are passed on to the baby in colostrum and in breast
milk. But babies’ immune systems are still not as strong as adults’. Premature
babies are at greater risk of infection because their immune systems are even
more immature and they haven’t had as many antibodies passed to them from
their mothers.
● Babies produce their own antibodies every time they are exposed to a virus or
germ, but it takes time for this immunity to fully develop.
● The passive immunity passed on from the mother at birth also doesn’t last long
and will start to decrease in the first few weeks and months after birth.

Breastfeeding
● Breast milk contains many elements that support your baby’s immune
system. These include proteins, fats, sugars and antibodies and
probiotics.
● When a mother comes into contact with germs, she develops antibodies to
help her fight off the infection
 ● Breastfed babies have fewer infections and get better more quickly than
formula-fed babies.
● However, breastfeeding cannot protect your baby from serious, life-
threatening infections like polio, diphtheria or measles.
● Also, for mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who choose not to,
infant formula is a healthy alternative.

Nursing Intervention: The nurse will provide formal breastfeeding education to nursing
mothers on the importance of breastfeeding and its attended benefits.

Vaccination

● Causes an immune response in the same way that a virus or bacteria

● It means that if your child comes into contact with the real disease in
future, their immune system will recognize the germ and respond fast
enough to fight off the disease or prevent serious complications.
● Pregnant women are vaccinated for whooping cough in their third
trimester so they will pass on immunity to their babies.
● babies will have their first vaccinations at birth, then some more at 6
weeks, 4 months and 6 months and for the first few years of life.

Nursing Intervention: The nurse will advocate for necessary vaccines throughout an
individuals’ health care continuum. As an immunization provider, the nurse should also
play a key role in helping to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines through proper:
● Vaccine storage and handling
● Vaccine administration
● Timing and spacing of vaccine doses
● Observation of precautions and contraindications
● Management of vaccine side effects
● Reporting of suspected side effects
● Communication about vaccine benefits and risks
● Standards for Immunization Practices for children and adolescents