Vaccines: Meningococcal and Pneumococcal Overview

Meningococcal Vaccines

• Used to prevent meningococcal disease, caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
• Specific vaccines exist for different serogroups, including Meningococcal B vaccine.
• Adverse reactions may include pain, swelling, redness at injection site, fever, headache, fatigue.
• Contraindications vary based on specific vaccine and patient history, such as allergies to vaccine components.
• Nurse implementation involves proper storage, handling, and administration of the vaccine, according to specific guidelines and protocols. Document administration and potential adverse reactions.

Pneumococcal Vaccines

• Used to prevent pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• Several types exist, including conjugated and polysaccharide vaccines.
• Possible adverse reactions include injection site reactions, such as pain and swelling; more serious reactions are rare but possible.
• Contraindications include allergies to vaccine components.
• Nurse implementation involves proper handling and administration of vaccine, following manufacturer guidelines, and recording patient responses.

Measles Vaccine

• Used to prevent measles, a highly contagious viral illness.
• Typically a live attenuated vaccine, safe and effective.
• Adverse reactions are usually mild, like fever, rash, or injection site soreness. Rare, potentially serious reactions can occur.
• Contraindications include active immunodeficiency; severe allergies to vaccine components, or pregnancy.
• Nurse implementation includes proper handling and storage of vaccine; documenting administration and monitoring for reactions.

HPV Vaccine

• Used to prevent human papillomavirus infections, which can cause cervical cancer and other cancers.
• Several types of HPV vaccines exist targeting various strains.
• Adverse reactions may include injection site reactions, fainting, dizziness, and possible pain or swelling.
• Contraindications include certain allergies and pregnancy.
• Nurse implementation involves proper handling, administration and storage, and documentation of administration and monitoring any reactions.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

• Used to prevent varicella.
• A live attenuated vaccine.
• Adverse reactions include mild fever, rash, or injection site soreness; serious reactions are rare.
• Contraindications include allergies to vaccine components, immunocompromised status,or pregnancy.
• Nurse implementation follows handling and administration procedures, documents administration and monitoring of any reactions.

Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine

• Used to prevent shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
• Different types; live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines.
• Adverse reactions include local reactions, fever, headache and fatigue.
• Contraindications include severe allergy to vaccine components,immunocompromised state.
• Nurse implementation involves appropriate handling, administration, and post-vaccination observation for any reactions.

Rabies Vaccine

• Used to prevent rabies, a viral disease transmitted by infected animals.
• Vaccination series are important to achieve protective immunity.
• Adverse reactions include injection site reactions, such as pain and swelling; systemic side effects are possible.
• Contraindications include significant allergies to vaccine components.
• Nurse implementation is focused on proper storage, handling and administration of vaccine, and post-immunization monitoring.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine

• Provides protection against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and pertussis.
• A combination vaccine.
• Possible adverse reactions include injection site reaction like pain, redness; fever, irritability or seizures in rare cases.
• Contraindications include allergies to vaccine components, severe illness, or pregnancy.
• Nurse implementation includes accurate dosing, proper storage, handling and administration; monitoring for adverse reactions.

Rh Immune Globulin (RhIG)

• Prevents Rh incompatibility in pregnant women and can prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn;
• Adverse reactions: rare, but possible allergic reactions, pain at injection site.
• Contraindications: known allergies to RhIG, certain blood disorders.
• Nurse implementation: proper storage and handling; administration according to protocols to prevent complications. Close monitoring of patient for any reactions.

Tetanus Antitoxin

• Used to neutralize tetanus toxins in case of exposure.
• Adverse reactions: possible allergic reactions, fever, flu-like symptoms.
• Contraindications: allergy to the product, or presence of other contraindicated conditions for injections.
• Nurse Implementation includes careful administration; monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions closely.

Antivenin

• Uses: neutralize venom after snake, spider, or other animal bites.
• Adverse reactions: allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), local reactions.
• Contraindications: allergies to the antivenin or other related components.
• Nurse implementation: careful preparation and administration, strict monitoring, and appropriate emergency preparedness.

Filgrastim (stimulates WBC production)

• Use: stimulates blood cell production, used in cancer treatment, and to treat certain blood disorders.
• Adverse reactions: bone pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, injection site reactions; very rare severe side effects are possible.
• Contraindications: active infections like pneumonia or meningitis.
• Nurse implementation: Administration according to prescribed dose, monitoring for adverse reactions.

Folic Acid

• Use: crucial for cell growth and development, including DNA synthesis; often in combination with other therapies.
• Adverse reactions: nausea, vomiting, rarely liver impairment.
• Contraindications: certain allergies, or conditions that could interfere with its effectiveness.
• Nurse implementation: accurate dosing, monitoring of patient.

Leucovorin

• Use: A type of vitamin important in certain cancer treatments.
• Adverse reactions: Usually mild; diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache.
• Contraindications: rare, but certain allergies or pre-existing conditions.
• Nurse Implementation: strict monitoring of patient during treatment, accurate administration, and reporting reactions.

Epoetin Alpha

• Use: stimulates red blood cell production.
• Adverse reactions: high blood pressure, seizures, or heart problems.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to product, uncontrolled high blood pressure and certain other conditions
• Nurse implementation: careful monitoring of Hgb/Hct, blood pressure during therapy.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

• Use: crucial for nerve function and metabolism.
• Adverse reactions: usually mild reactions; allergies, injection site reactions.
• Contraindications: certain allergies, and in some cases, specific conditions.
• Nurse implementation: accurate administration; evaluation of patient response to therapy.

This quiz covers the essential information on meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines, including their purposes, types, and adverse reactions. It also discusses the role of nurses in implementing vaccination protocols and understanding contraindications. Test your knowledge on these vital vaccines and their administration.