What is active immunity?
- Exposing the body to pathogen to generate an adaptive response
- Antibodies develop in response against the antigen
- May take days/weeks/years to develop an immunity
- Can be long-acting immunity
- It is classified as a naturally acquired immunity
What is passive immunity?
Passive Natural immunity: Immunity/Antibodies given to baby from mother’s placenta - blood exhange
Passive Artificial Immunity: Antibodies introduced to the immune system from a vaccine/medicine to fight off pathogen
- Lasts as long as the antibodies stay in circulation
What is an immunization?
The process in which a person becomes protected from a disease (resistance developed)
Ex) Vaccines
What is a vaccination?
Vaccines are made up of killed or weakened infectious agents to stimulate an immune response
- Body is able to build up immunity and antibodies
What infectious diseases which currently have vaccinations?
- Influenza (Vaccine is called Tamiflu)
- Measles
- Polio
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Mumps
- Meningitis
- Hepatitis B
- Tuberculosis
- Pertussis
What is the role of the LPN in immunization administration?
- LPN’s can administer immunizations to people ages 5 and older
- Immunization specialty is required
- LPN’s must have knowledge, skill, judgment, and competencies related to the concepts
and principles of immunity, communicable disease control, immunization, as well as legislative and reporting requirements
Routine adult vaccinations
- Tetanus - every 10 years
- Influenza - annually
- Diphtheria - every 10 years
- Pertussis - one time during adult hood/pregnancy
- Pneumococcal - over 65 years
- Hepatitis A and B
- HPV - females 9-26 years
- Meningococcal
- Measles
- Rubella/Varicella - people who have not had chicken pox
- Herpes Zoster - Over 50 and who have been exposed to shingles
- Travel Vaccines
What are some factors affecting the action of vaccines?
- Environmental (location, season, family)
- Behavioral (smoking, alcohol, exercise, sleep)
- Nutritional (weight, BMI, diets)
- Personal influence to vaccines
What are some potential side effects of common vaccines?
- Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given
- Mild fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Psychosomatic fear causing side effects
What are some teaching points associated with the administration of these medications?
- Check for allergies
- Through assessment
- Educate on side effects
- Educate on importance of vaccine - what is it for? why does it help?
- Ensure medication is not expired
- Educate on follow ups for vaccines
