Immunisation
QUESTION:
Dear Dr Dunlop,
I have a 3yo and a 5yo. Just wondered what your recommendations are on getting the additional meningococcal vaccines. Both have already had their scheduled vaccines.
My 3yo seems to always be sick with a cold or virus so am concerned her immune system is not very strong so wondering what your thoughts are on getting the paid vaccines. Thank you. N.
ANSWER:
Dear N,
Thanks for your question and for visiting Kids Consult.
My advice to all my patients is to get the additional vaccines if they are financially able to.
We never refer to immune systems being strong or weak, just that in kids they are immature, and as she comes into contact with viruses, her immunity will mature. Very rarely do kids have true immunodeficiency syndrome. In that context it's not a factor for me in terms of whether to additionally immunise or not.
Regards,
Dr Scott Dunlop
Consultant Paediatrician
QUESTION:
Dear Dr Dunlop,
My 6 month old daughter recently had what we think was a reaction to her 6 month shots - fevers and vomiting. I'm particularly worried about her next shots at 12 months.
Should I avoid them or would it be safe to give them as per the schedule? Thanks for your time. F
ANSWER:
Dear F,
Thanks for your question and for visiting Kids Consult. A recent study from Canada looked at 19 years of adverse reactions, and the subsequent risk if those kids were revaccinated. There were 1700 kids, and 84% did not react. Interestingly, those with the more severe reactions were less likely to react a second time.
So, yes kids can react to immunisations. And yes, they can sometimes have reactions with subsequent vaccinations, but most don't. Taking al that on board, I would encourage you to continue the vaccinations as per the normal schedule.
However, if you are particularly concerned, most tertiary children's hospitals have High Risk Immunisation Clinics, and many paediatric wards would be able to offer supervised immunisations.
Regards,
Dr Scott Dunlop
Consultant Paediatrician