Question

Danny is a 4 year old boy who was diagnosed with leukemia 6 months ago and is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment. He presents in the clinic for a well child checkup.

1. After reviewing the CDC immunization schedule (located in your lab module) outline which immunizations Danny is due for.
2. Will you provide all immunizations for Danny? Are there any immunizations that are contraindicated? If so, which ones and WHY?
3. What are the common side effects of immunizations?

Reply

Answer 1

Ans) It's generally recommended that vaccines not be given during chemo or radiation treatments – the only exception to this is the flu shot. This is mainly because vaccines need an immune system response to work, and you may not get an adequate response during cancer treatment.

- Oral polio vaccine is contraindicated in household contacts because viral shedding may occur for eight to 12 weeks and may lead to paralytic poliomyelitis in an immunocompromised patient. Inactivated poliovirus vaccine should be given instead.

- Chemotherapy treatment does not eliminate a person's immune memory. However, chemotherapy can affect a person's immune system, making them more at risk for a number of vaccine-preventable diseases.

- Common side effects of vaccines:
• Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given.
• Mild fever.
• Chills.
• Feeling tired.
• Headache.
• Muscle and joint aches