Vaccination Protocols and Guidelines

The book was first created in 2005 and is a standard reference for medical professionals who work with children.

The 3rd edition of the book was extremely popular among doctors.

Doctors who work with children often don't have enough training in the subject in their undergraduate years.

The book is intended for doctors working with children in different medical settings like hospitals and clinics.

The book is made available for free download online and is being designed to be downloaded on mobile devices.

The book is updated regularly and is available in both print and digital formats.

The book is a collaborative effort, with many doctors contributing to its content.

The book has drug dosages from a well-known handbook by Professor Frank Shann and can be purchased or downloaded.

A vaccine that protects against 13 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis, and other illnesses.

A vaccine that protects against 7 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis, and other illnesses.

A primary series of vaccines given to infants and young children to protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The series typically involves 3 doses given at least 1 month apart.

A booster dose of the pneumococcal vaccine given to children between 12-15 months of age to strengthen their immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae. This dose is usually given after the primary series is completed.

An allergic reaction to a previous pneumococcal vaccine. Symptoms may include irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, fever, redness, swelling or pain at the injection site, and rash.

A condition where a person's immune system is weakened, making them more susceptible to infections. This can be due to various factors, including HIV infection, certain medical conditions, or medications.

Children who are at increased risk of severe disease from pneumococcal infections, such as those with certain medical conditions, infants under 2 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems.

The preferred route of administration for pneumococcal vaccines is intramuscular, meaning the vaccine is injected into a muscle. In some cases, it can also be given subcutaneously, meaning it is injected under the skin.

A vaccine that protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.

This vaccine is given in a single dose and is recommended for adults who are at high risk of pneumococcal infections, such as those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, or other health conditions increasing their susceptibility to infections.

A vaccine that protects against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children.

A vaccine that protects against chickenpox, a highly contagious viral disease that causes a rash and fever.

A condition in which the spleen is absent or not functioning properly.

A condition characterized by swelling in the body due to fluid buildup, often affecting the kidneys and other organs.

A chronic lung disease that can cause a person to be more susceptible to infections, including pneumococcal infections.

Oral (given by mouth) fluids are the preferred method for rehydration in well children, as they provide adequate hydration and are safer than IV fluids.

When IV fluids are necessary, the Holliday and Segar formula is a starting point for calculating fluid requirements based on weight.

Intravenous fluids are used to support circulation, replace fluid deficits, provide daily fluid needs, replace ongoing losses, and manage severe dehydration when oral methods fail.

The correct use of IV fluids requires careful calculation and monitoring to ensure safety and prevent complications. Incorrectly prescribed or administered IV fluids can be harmful.

The first dose of the Rotavirus vaccine should be given after the child is 6 weeks old. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the number and timing of subsequent doses.

Children travelling to high-risk areas should receive a single dose of the Meningococcal vaccine. This provides immunity for up to three years.

Children 12 months and older require two doses of the Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, spaced more than 4 weeks apart.

Children above 1 year old require two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine, given 6-12 months apart.

Children with specific needs like surgical recovery, fluid imbalances, infections, or chronic illnesses may need specific fluid management.

The Holliday-Segar formula calculates the fluid requirements based on body weight, dividing it into three categories: the first 10 kg, the next 10 kg, and any additional weight, with different fluid amounts for each category.

The Holliday-Segar formula calculates the total daily fluid requirement, then divides it by 24 hours to determine the hourly fluid infusion rate.

Children requiring maintenance IV fluids should have their blood sugar and electrolytes checked when starting IV therapy and again after 24 hours.

Calculate the daily fluid requirement based on the Holliday-Segar formula and then divide it into hourly doses.

The estimated insensible fluid loss in children is between 300-400 ml/m²/24 hours plus the urine output.

The total fluid requirement is the sum of the calculated maintenance fluid and the estimated insensible losses plus urine output.

The Body Surface Area (BSA) method can be used to calculate fluid needs, but it's important to understand the basics of the Holliday-Segar weight-based method.

The daily sodium requirement for a child is between 2 and 3 mmol/kg/day.

Hypernatremia is a condition where the serum sodium level is above 150 mmol/l.

Moderate hypernatremia occurs when serum sodium levels are between 150-160 mmol/l.

Severe hypernatremia occurs when serum sodium levels are above 160 mmol/l.

Causes of hypernatremia include water loss that exceeds sodium loss (e.g., diarrhea), water deficit (e.g., diabetes insipidus), and excessive sodium gain (e.g., large amounts of NaHCO3 infusion or salt poisoning).

Children with hypernatremic dehydration may appear sicker than expected for the degree of dehydration they have.

Symptoms of hypernatremic dehydration predominantly relate to intracellular dehydration and neurological dysfunction.

In cases of hypernatremia due to central diabetes insipidus, consult an endocrinologist.