Child and adolescent immunization

1. Introduction
 Definition of immunization
 Child and adolescent immunization
 Types of immunity
 Effects of immunity
 Myths and misconceptions
Immunization is the process through which individuals are protected against diseases through
vaccination (Immunization Basics | CDC, 2022). Vaccination entails the introduction of
biological preparations for stimulating the immune system to mount an immune response against
disease-causing microorganisms (Immunization Basics | CDC, 2022). Immunization is a vital
public health disease prevention measure (Ginglen & Doyle, 2022). It has reduced morbidity and
mortality rates of diseases once fatal, especially in children.
Despite its significance in public health, it is a controversial practice. In this context, this
presentation focuses on immunization in children and adolescents. Besides, it also addresses
pediatric immunization education. Therefore, thus presentation focuses on pediatric
immunization. Besides, factors influencing children and teen vaccination are also addressed.
Type of immunity
 Active immunity
Natural
Vaccine-induced
 Passive immunity
Immunity is the body’s ability to recognize self and reject foreign particles such as pathogens
and disease-causing microorganisms. The body achieves immunity by secreting antibodies that
attack and neutralize antigens, thus protecting itself from developing the disease. Active and
passive immunity are the main types of immunity (CDC, 2022).
Active immunity is achieved after being exposed to a disease, it prompts the body’s immune
system to generate immunoglobulins. It can be natural or induced immunity. Natural immunity
develops when the actual disease infects an individual. At the same time, induced immunity
develops after an individual is exposed to weakened microorganisms through vaccination (Types
of Immunity to a Disease | CDC, 2022). Passive immunity is acquired through the transfer of
antibodies. For instance, it occurs in newborns as they get immunity from their mothers through
the placenta. It is also be achieved via breastfeeding infants.
2. Types of immunity related to vaccination.

 adaptive immunity
 Herd immunity
 When an individual is exposed to antigens, the body responds by producing antigen-
specific antibodies to combat the pathogens. Through the production of antibodies, the
person develops adaptive immunity. Besides, the B-cells retain the memory to produce
the immunoglobulins in future if a similar pathogen attacks the individual. When a person
is vaccinated, the immune system is triggered to respond. In response, the B cells secrete
antibodies that clear the infectious agent from the body. The immune system also keeps a
memory of the infectious agent. Besides, adaptive immunity can be either active or
passive (Marshall et al., 2018). Active immunity develops from exposure to disease and
immunization, while passive immunity is transferred from mother to child or via the
transfer of antibodies. However, it does not last long. That is how vaccination contributes
to the development of adaptive immunity.

Herd immunity is grounded on the ideology that immune individuals protect susceptible
individuals from infections. When a significant proportion of a population is vaccinated,
it develops vaccine-induced immunity. Therefore, when vaccinated individuals contract
an infectious agent, they can clear it. Besides, when people close to the infected person
are vaccinated, they can clear the pathogen, thus combating communal spread. The
proximity of vaccinated individuals protects the susceptible individuals in the community
from getting the infection (McDermott, 2021). Herd immunity thus acts as a defensive
wall against the spread of infectious agents.

3. Effects of immunization: individual,

 Strengthens immunity
 Improves productivity
 Lowers morbidity
 Prevents death
Immunization is important for immunized individuals and the community. It offers immense
benefits to immunized persons. For instance, it strengthens their immune systems, enhancing
their abilities to fight infections. As immunized individuals are protected against diseases, their
productivity is not affected.
Besides, immunization has made it possible to prevent infectious diseases that were initially
threatening. The morbidity rates of the diseases have also been lowered significantly. Therefore,
these diseases do not pose a significant threat to immunized individuals. Moreover, the immunity
acquired through immunization protects the immunized individuals from potential death threats
posed by communicable diseases (Rodrigues & Plotkin, 2020). Therefore, immunization is
crucial for personal benefits.
4. Effects of Immunization: community, and worldwide.
 Eradication of infectious diseases
 Development of herd immunity
 Increased productivity
 Protects health
 In the new era of vaccines, immunization has significantly impacted the community and
global health. It is a vital component of public health in the creation of a safer community
and world (WHO, 2021). It saves lives and protects public health. It has reduced the
prevalence of global communicable diseases that threaten public health.
As a result of immunization, fewer people get sick. Besides, immunized persons do not
develop secondary complications. The cost of treatment is also affordable. Therefore,
global public health systems’ expenditure is reduced. Productivity is also maintained as
their health is protected. Therefore, immunization is beneficial at the individual,
community and global levels.

5. Trends: Content on slides includes pediatric vaccination trends, related disease trends,
 More vaccines are introduced each year
 Vaccines have been widely accepted
 They have eradicated some diseases
Pediatric immunization has been successful in eradicating diseases (Immunization Coverage,
2022). Despite vaccines being widely accepted for preventing pediatric diseases, not all children
receive the required vaccines. A significant percentage of children remain unvaccinated. These
rates have doubled after covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, measures should be put in place to
improve immunization coverage.
Pediatric vaccination has significantly impacted the prevalence of childhood diseases. The trends
of childhood diseases have been impressive as life-threatening diseases have been eradicated.
Besides, the prevalence of communicable diseases has been reduced effectively (WHO, 2022).
Below is a statistical analysis of conditions prevented through pediatric vaccination.
6. Statistics for conditions prevented with pediatric vaccinations.

 tetanus-related deaths have reduced

 polio has decreased by over 99%
 polio type 2 has been eradicated
 diphtheria has been controlled effectively
 hepatitis B has decreased

Before the invention of vaccines, pediatric diseases were accountable for high infant
mortality rates. However, following the development of effective vaccines, the
prevalence of these diseases has decreased. Based on data dating back to 1988, deaths
attributed to tetanus infections had reduced by 96% as of 2015 (Tetanus, 2018). It shows
a positive trend in the utilization of vaccines in preventing diseases through pediatric
vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccine disease-specific mortality rates have declined (Le et al.,
2020).
 Besides, poliomyelitis used to be a life-threatening childhood disease with irreversible
morbidity. As a result of pediatric vaccination using the polio vaccine, polio-related
deaths have been reduced by 99%. In 2021, only 6 cases were reported. Polio type 2 has
also been eradicated, and diphtheria has effectively been controlled through
immunization. Other diseases, such as smallpox, have also been eliminated. It is a
positive trend and shows the significance of paediatric immunization.

7. Myths:
Vaccines are harmful
Vaccines cause autism
Vaccines kill
Vaccines cause cancer
Vaccines are not necessary for children
Immunization and vaccine use has been influenced by myths and misconceptions surrounding
vaccination. For instance, some believe vaccines are harmful and should not be used on children.
Some communities also believe vaccination is responsible for causing autism among children
(Geoghegan et al., 2020). However, these are just beliefs without a scientific background.
Rumours have also spread, linking vaccines with unsafe toxins. Some components used in
vaccines are believed to be harmful and can kill. Vaccination has also been linked with cancer.
For instance, the HPV vaccine has been associated with cancer. Moreover, some people believe
that children do not need vaccination as they infect them with the diseases they aim to prevent.
These myths have led to a decline in immunization rates. It is thus essential to debunk them and
inform the public truths concerning vaccination

8. Truths about vaccination

Vaccines are safe
Vaccines do not cause autism
Vaccines are necessary for children
They do not kill
Misinformation has fueled fear among parents about vaccinating their children. Vaccines are
the greatest public health assets in the modern era. It is important to note that before vaccines
are rolled out, they are scrutinized for safety through a series of clinical trials, and their safety
 is guaranteed. Besides, there is no link between vaccines and autism. Parents should not
hesitate to vaccinate their children.
Moreover, the components used in making vaccines are safe. For instance, formaldehyde in
vaccines is at the recommended and safe levels. Therefore, there are no adverse health effects
associated with the vaccine components. Vaccines prevent the adverse effects of diseases by
strengthening immunity. Vaccines are thus safe for use in preventing the spread of infectious
diseases. Notably, the benefits of vaccines outweigh the disadvantages (Geoghegan et al.,
2020). Therefore, parents should not hesitate to vaccinate their children.

Pediatric Schedule:
Birth 2 4 6 12 15 18 2-3 4-6
months months months months months months years years
HBV HBV
RV RV RV
DTaP DTaP DTaP DTaP DTaP
Hib Hib Hib Hib
PCV13 PCV13 PCV13 PCV13
IPV IPV IPV IPV
MMR MMR
Varicella Varicella

HePA

Influenza vaccine is administered annually

After birth, children are given the hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours to protect them against
hepatitis B. the 2nd regimen is administered during the second month. Third dose is given from
the age of 6 to 18 months (CDC, 2022). The rotavirus vaccine is also administered starting at the
age of 2 months. Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is available in five doses, the first
dose is administered in the second month.
The Hib vaccine is given in four doses to protect children against Haemophilus influenza. The
first dose is given at 2 months, while the last is at the 12th or 15th month (CDC, 2022). PCV13 is
administered in the second month for protection against pneumonia and meningitis. IPV is made
for protection against polio and is given at 2 months. The table presented shows a summary of
the immunization schedule for different vaccines.
9. Immunization schedule for teens.

Vaccine Age(years)
Influenza vaccine 7-18
 Tdap 7-10, 13-18
HPV 11
MenACWY 7-18
MenB 16-18
Pneumococcal 7-18
Hepatitis A 7-18
Hepatitis B 7-16
Varicella 7-18
MMR 7-18

All children aged 6 months and above should be immunized against influenza. Tetanus
vaccine, HPV, and meningococcal vaccine are also recommended for children aged 11
and 12 years. Pneumococcal vaccine should is administered to children at risk of
contracting the infection from the age of 7 years.
Measles, varicella and pertussis vaccines are also recommended for teenagers who could
have missed the vaccines during early childhood.
10. Legal, Ethical issues (considerations of pediatric vaccinations)
 Safety
 Beneficence
 Justice
 Mandatory vaccination for some diseases
In Massachusetts, the state government-mandated vaccination against smallpox for all children
(Weithorn & Reiss, 2018). Smallpox is a life-threatening and infectious disease. Therefore
mandating vaccination is ethical for saving lives. It is also beneficial in protecting the public
against fatal infectious diseases. However, before vaccines are introduced, they should be
ethically justifiable. Therefore, their safety should be considered.
Besides, vaccination does justice for the public; it prevents the spread of diseases to the
community. Some schools have also made vaccination mandatory for some diseases to prevent
the spread of diseases to healthy school-going children. The vaccination should also adhere to
federal and state laws. State and federal laws should thus be upheld during immunization.

11. Cultural Issues

 Religious objections
 Mistrust
 Cultural controversies
 Religious beliefs
Culture significantly influences people’s way of life through beliefs. Sometimes, cultural beliefs
clash with science. Cultural factors should thus be considered during immunization to reduce
vaccine objections due to religious differences. Some cultures do not trust government
initiatives. Therefore, they may be hesitant to accept vaccines due to mistrust.
Besides, some cultures associate some diseases with a curse. They believe such diseases cannot
be prevented by vaccines and require cultural interventions. These people believe God can heal
diseases without medical interventions. Therefore, they do not recognize the significance of
vaccines in children. Immunization is thus against their norms. Religious beliefs should be
considered before vaccines are administered.

References

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