Rotavirus Vaccination During Diarrhoea
Rotavirus vaccination is typically deferred when a child is currently experiencing an episode of diarrhoea.
Primary Reason for Deferral
The main concern is that active diarrhoea can interfere with the vaccine's effectiveness:
- The Rotavirus vaccine contains live, attenuated viruses that need to infect the intestinal cells to stimulate immunity.
- Diarrhoea can cause faster intestinal transit, potentially flushing the vaccine out before it can infect the cells.
- Inflammation associated with gastroenteritis might also impede the vaccine virus from establishing an infection.
This results in compromised uptake of the vaccine, meaning the vaccination might not provide adequate protection.
Evaluation of Alternative Options
- While intussusception is a known, rare risk, it is not the reason for delaying vaccination during diarrhoea.
- The vaccine itself is unlikely to cause severe rotavirus diarrhoea; the concern is about its own effectiveness being reduced.
- Vomiting can be a side effect but isn't the primary clinical reason to avoid vaccination during diarrhoea.
Postponing the vaccination until the diarrhoea resolves ensures the best chance of successful immunization.
Important Questions from Child Immunization
Which of the following are correct with regard to BCG vaccination?
1. It is a live-attenuated vaccine.
2. It is administered by intramuscular injection.
3. It is derived from Mycobacterium bovis.
4. It is highly immunogenic.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Consider the following statements :
1. Hepatitis B vaccine has reduced efficacy, if administered intramuscularly.
2. The maximum time allowed between reconstitution of MMR vaccine and use is 30 minutes.
3. Maternal antibodies do not interfere with cellular immune response to BCG vaccine.
4. DTwP is preferred to DTaP for primary immunization in most children.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- The event related to vaccination which can be contraindication for the next vaccination of similar/identical type is
Which of the following events could be caused or precipitated by an active component of vaccine?
1. Anaphylaxis after measles vaccine
2. Encephalopathy after DPT vaccine
3. Adenitis following BCG vaccine
4. Gastroenteritis following MMR vaccine
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- An eleven-month-old unimmunized child comes for immunization. Which vaccines should be given in this visit?
