Questions about vaccinations?
Hello Doctor: I have a few questions regarding my one year and four months old daughter who has just had roseola.
I would like to ask: 1.
Since she is being cared for by her grandmother, is it better for her to receive the flu vaccine or not? Which option is preferable? 2.
If she is to receive the vaccine, considering she has just had roseola and still has some rashes, how long should we wait before administering the vaccine? 3.
My daughter will turn one year and six months in mid-December, and she has scheduled vaccinations during that time.
If we also want to administer the flu vaccine and the varicella vaccine, what is the best way to space them out? What is the recommended order for these vaccinations?
ann, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/10/20
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Hello: The influenza virus is highly infectious to the elderly and individuals with asthma, potentially leading to severe pneumonia.
Therefore, it is recommended that these groups receive the vaccine.
For others, vaccination is not mandatory; the decision to vaccinate depends on the family's desire to prevent this illness.
Generally, individuals who are not allergic to eggs and do not have a fever or severe illness can receive the vaccine.
Roseola typically resolves on its own about 3-5 days after the fever subsides, so it is advisable to wait 3-4 days after the rash has disappeared before getting vaccinated, to avoid confusion with potential side effects from the influenza vaccine.
The influenza vaccine can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines or at any interval without strict regulations, but they should be given in different sites.
The order of administration can vary.
However, for generally healthy children who have not been in group settings, or for families not belonging to high-risk groups (such as healthcare workers, early childhood educators, or nursing home staff), the risk of contracting chickenpox is higher, so it is recommended to administer the varicella vaccine first or to administer both the varicella and influenza vaccines simultaneously.
Thank you for your letter! Director Zhao Yongkang is currently abroad for training, and I am responding on his behalf.
Thank you for your understanding! Best regards, Kang Danqi, Acting Director of Pediatrics, Hsinchu Hospital.
Reply Date: 2003/10/20
More Info
When it comes to essential vaccinations for your one-year-old child, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Vaccination is a critical aspect of pediatric healthcare, as it helps protect children from various infectious diseases that can have serious health implications. Here are answers to your questions, along with additional information that may be helpful.
1. Should your child receive the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is generally recommended for children, especially those who are at higher risk of complications from influenza, such as those with underlying health conditions. Since your child is currently one year and four months old, it is advisable to consult with your pediatrician regarding the flu vaccine. The benefits of vaccination typically outweigh the risks, especially during flu season. If your child is otherwise healthy, getting the flu vaccine can help prevent illness and reduce the spread of the virus.
2. Timing of the flu vaccine after a recent illness (roseola):
If your child has recently had roseola, it is important to wait until they have fully recovered before administering any vaccines, including the flu vaccine. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least a few days after the resolution of fever and rash associated with roseola. However, the exact timing can vary based on your child's overall health and the advice of your healthcare provider. It is best to consult with your pediatrician to determine the appropriate waiting period.
3. Scheduling vaccinations:
As your child approaches one year and six months, there are specific vaccinations that are typically recommended, including the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), IPV (inactivated poliovirus), MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. If you wish to administer the flu vaccine as well, it is essential to space out the vaccinations appropriately.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that multiple vaccines can be given during the same visit, but if you prefer to separate them, a common approach is to administer the flu vaccine at least two weeks before or after other live vaccines like the varicella vaccine. This allows your child's immune system to respond effectively to each vaccine.
A suggested schedule could be:
- Flu Vaccine: Administer as soon as your child has fully recovered from roseola.
- Varicella Vaccine: Schedule this for the next well-child visit, ideally at least two weeks after the flu vaccine.
- Other Routine Vaccines: Ensure that the DTaP, IPV, and MMR vaccines are also administered according to the recommended schedule.
In conclusion, vaccinations are a vital part of maintaining your child's health and preventing serious diseases. Always consult with your pediatrician to tailor the vaccination schedule to your child's specific health needs and circumstances. They can provide guidance on the timing of vaccinations, especially following recent illnesses, and ensure that your child is adequately protected as they grow.
Similar Q&A
Vaccination Guidelines for Children: When Can Your Toddler Get Shots?
Hello Dr. Chen: May I ask if a child who is 1 year and 6 months old can receive vaccinations this year? When can vaccinations start? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Chen Junliang reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Miss: I'm not sure if you are asking about vaccinations or the flu vaccine. For vaccinations, you can consult a pediatrician. The flu vaccine can be administered to children with congenital heart disease or those with weakened immune systems who frequently suffer from...[Read More] Vaccination Guidelines for Children: When Can Your Toddler Get Shots?
Preventing Meningitis and Vaccination Guidelines for Young Children
Hello Dr. Zhao, I have a couple of questions: 1. Recently, enterovirus and meningitis are on the rise. Are there any preventive vaccines available? 2. My child is currently about one year old. Should he/she receive the pneumonia vaccine and the hepatitis A vaccine? Thank y...
Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
1. There is currently no routine vaccination for these vaccines in the country. 2. If the home environment is clean and the water source is not an issue, generally there is no need to receive these two vaccines.[Read More] Preventing Meningitis and Vaccination Guidelines for Young Children
Essential Vaccines for Your 1-Year-Old: What Parents Should Know
Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your previous response. I would like to ask you about vaccination. My son is currently 1 year and 3 months old and has received all the required vaccinations, including 3 doses of the pneumococcal vaccine. Are there any other recommended vaccines that...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Anita: Please refer to the attached response from Dr. Pei Ren-sheng, Director of the Pediatrics Department at Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Essential Vaccines for Your 1-Year-Old: What Parents Should Know
Essential Vaccination Schedule and Tips for Your Baby's Health
Dear Dr. Chen, Hello. After birth and before entering elementary school, infants must receive a series of vaccinations, such as Hepatitis B and BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin). I would appreciate it if you could provide information on the vaccination schedule and any important co...
Dr. Chen Qianyi reply Pediatrics
Congratulations on becoming a new dad! Before your child starts elementary school, especially in the first two years, it is indeed necessary to administer several vaccines. The vaccination schedule is detailed in your child's health booklet, as follows: - Hepatitis B Immuno...[Read More] Essential Vaccination Schedule and Tips for Your Baby's Health
Related FAQ
(Pediatrics)
Pneumococcal Vaccine(Pediatrics)
Enterovirus(Pediatrics)
Infant Formula(Pediatrics)
Pediatric Allergies(Pediatrics)
Cough(Pediatrics)
Lymph(Pediatrics)
Purpura(Pediatrics)
Fever(Pediatrics)
Kidney(Pediatrics)