Question

The nurse is asked which immunizations a child, cur- rently up-to-date on all primary immunizations, should receive before starting kindergarten. He is currently up- to-date on all the primary immunizations. Which boost- ers should the mother be told the child needs? a. IPV, Hep-B, and Td b. DTaP, Hep-B, and Td c. MMR, DTaP, and Hib d. DTaP, IPV, and MMR

Short answer

d. DTaP, IPV, and MMR

Step-by-step solution

Identify Key Information

The child is up-to-date with all primary immunizations and is about to start kindergarten. The question asks for the necessary booster immunizations.

Match Immunizations with Kindergarten Requirements

Children starting kindergarten typically need boosters for certain vaccines. Common booster vaccines at this age are DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), IPV (inactivated poliovirus), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Examine each option to see if it includes these boosters: - Option a: IPV, Hep-B, and Td - Hep-B is not usually required at this age.- Option b: DTaP, Hep-B, and Td - Again, Hep-B is not typically required.- Option c: MMR, DTaP, and Hib - Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) is for younger children.- Option d: DTaP, IPV, and MMR - This option includes all necessary boosters.

Select the Correct Option

Option d (DTaP, IPV, and MMR) aligns with the booster immunizations recommended for children starting kindergarten.

Key concepts

DTaP vaccine

The DTaP vaccine is essential for children entering kindergarten.
It protects against three serious diseases:

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Acellular Pertussis

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection causing a thick covering in the back of the throat. This can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, and even death.
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to 'locking' of the jaw, making it impossible to open the mouth or swallow.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease known for uncontrollable, violent coughing making it hard to breathe. The 'a' in DTaP stands for 'acellular,' meaning the pertussis component is cell-free, reducing side effects.

IPV vaccine

IPV stands for Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine.
It is crucial for protecting children against polio, a virus that can cause paralysis and even death. Polio affects the central nervous system, leading to long-term or permanent muscle weakness and paralysis. The IPV vaccine is made from a poliovirus that has been killed and cannot cause polio but can still promote immunity.
The introduction of the IPV vaccine has dramatically reduced polio cases worldwide. Children typically receive this vaccine in a series of four doses, with the final dose given before starting kindergarten.

MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine safeguards children from three significant diseases:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella

Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes a distinctive red rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and death.
Mumps causes swollen salivary glands, fever, headache, and can lead to serious complications like meningitis, encephalitis, and hearing loss.
Rubella, also known as German measles, causes a mild rash and fever. However, if contracted by a pregnant woman, it can cause severe birth defects or miscarriage. The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the first dose around 12-15 months and the second before kindergarten.