Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is a common virus that causes diarrhea, especially in infants and young children. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks.

The vaccine, which is a liquid given by mouth, is recommended at ages 2, 4, and 6 months.

Why the Vaccine Is Recommended

Rotavirus can cause dehydration secondary to large amounts of diarrhea, and can result in children requiring hospitalization. Vaccination against rotavirus can help stop spread in the community, in addition to protecting the individual child.

Possible Risks

Side effects can include diarrhea and vomiting, in addition to fever.

When to Delay or Avoid Immunization

• if your child is currently sick, although simple colds should not prevent immunization
• if your child had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
• if your child has an abnormality of the digestive system or a gastrointestinal disease
• if your child has a history of intussusception, a type of serious bowel blockage
• if your child has recently received gamma globulin or a blood transfusion
• if your child has immune system problems related to cancer, leukemia, or lymphoma; is taking steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs; or is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Caring for Your Child After Immunization

Depending on the age of your child, fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose. If vomiting or diarrhea occur, make sure to give your child small, frequent amounts of fluid and watch for signs of dehydration, such as less urine than usual.

When to Call the Doctor

• if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
• if there are problems after the immunization

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HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes genital warts and changes in the cervix that can result in cervical cancer.

The vaccine is recommended for girls 11 or 12 years old, as well as for older girls who are unvaccinated. It is given as a series of three shots over a 6-month period.

Why the Vaccine Is Recommended

Because HPV can cause serious problems such as genital warts and cervical cancer, a vaccine is an important step in preventing infection and protecting against the spread of HPV. It works best when given before a girl becomes sexually active.

Possible Risks

Side effects are usually mild fever and tenderness, swelling, and redness at the site of the injection. Dizziness, fainting, nausea, and vomiting may also occur after the shot.

When to Delay or Avoid Immunization

• if your daughter is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
• if your daughter had an allergic reaction to the first dose of HPV vaccine
• if your daughter has had a severe allergic reaction to yeast
• if your daughter is pregnant
• if your daughter has a bleeding disorder (discuss with your hematologist)

Caring for Your Child After Immunization

Your child may experience fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor about the appropriate dose.

When to Call the Doctor

• if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
• if there are problems after the immunization

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Immunization Schedule

This immunization schedule is a handy reference to help you keep track of which vaccines your child needs to receive and when.

Types of Vaccines

Four different types of vaccines are currently available:

1. Attenuated (weakened) live viruses are used in some vaccines such as in the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
2. Killed (inactivated) viruses or bacteria are used in some vaccines, such as in IPV.
3. Toxoid vaccines contain a toxin produced by the bacterium. For example, the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are toxoid vaccines.
4. Conjugate vaccines (such as Hib) contain parts of bacteria combined with proteins.

Immunizations for Travel

Specific information about which immunizations are required by travelers to each country worldwide is available directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ask your doctor for more information.

Depending on the type and length of travel, some vaccines may be recommended. Most immunizations should be given at least 1 month before travel. Take your child's immunization records with you when you travel internationally.

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MCV4

The meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis.

The vaccine is recommended for kids at age 11 or 12 years, at ages 13 to 18 years if not previously vaccinated, and for older teens who are entering college and will be living in a dormitory setting.

Why the Vaccine Is Recommended

Bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord, is a rare but highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly among kids who are in close quarters. It can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

Possible Risks

Some of the most common side effects are swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the injection, along with headache, fever, or fatigue.

When to Delay or Avoid Immunization

• if your child tends to have allergic reactions to the DTaP vaccine or to latex
• if your child has a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disease of the nervous system which causes progressive weakness
• if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization

Caring for Your Child After Immunization

Your child may experience fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor about the appropriate dose. Some doctors recommend a dose just before the immunization.

A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad also may help reduce soreness. Moving or using the limb that has received the injection often reduces the soreness.

When to Call the Doctor

• if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
• if there are problems after the immunization

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