The basics of pediatric immunizations

Abstract

This article addresses the basic information regarding immunizations that all nurses who care for infants and children should know. It presents a brief overview of immunology and the history of immunization science. Immunization standards, techniques of administration, and the handling of immunobiologics are discussed along with current vaccines, toxoids, and immune sera. Public laws and governmental support resources relating to immunizations are presented as well as are special circumstances, such as foreign adoptions, breastfeeding infants, and those who are immunocompromised. Finally, the pediatric immunization schedule is presented and selected vaccine-preventable diseases are discussed. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.