Editing Pediatric Nursing (section)

== Immunization principles ==

* Follow the current national schedule; the nurse verifies the schedule rather than working from memory.
* '''Live vaccines''' include measles-mumps-rubella, varicella, live attenuated influenza, and rotavirus. They are generally deferred in significant immunosuppression and in pregnancy, and MMR and varicella given on different days must be separated by at least 4 weeks.
* '''Mild illness with or without low-grade fever is not a contraindication''' to immunization; moderate to severe acute illness is a reason to defer.
* A '''previous anaphylactic reaction''' to a vaccine or one of its components is a true contraindication.
* Teach caregivers to expect low-grade fever and local soreness, to use acetaminophen if needed, and never to give aspirin.
* Document lot number, site, route, date, and provision of the Vaccine Information Statement.