Significance of specific immunoprophylaxis
In terms of its impact on reducing population mortality, vaccination can only be compared to providing people with clean drinking water. The strategic goals of this state program include not only reducing morbidity or the complete eradication (elimination) of infections, but also ensuring active longevity.
The achievements of mass immunization are undeniable. In addition to the global eradication of smallpox, many countries have achieved the elimination of poliomyelitis and toxic forms of diphtheria, and a sharp decline in measles incidence has been recorded. Successful control over congenital rubella and type b Haemophilus influenzae (Hib infection) has also been established.
Classification of immunobiological drugs
To generate active artificial immunity, medicine uses vaccines and toxoids. According to production technology, vaccines are divided into three main groups:
- Live vaccines: produced using attenuated (weakened) pathogens. This group includes preparations against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
- Inactivated (killed) vaccines: contain whole but killed microorganisms. Examples include whole-cell pertussis, influenza, and inactivated polio vaccines.
- Subunit (chemical) vaccines: consist exclusively of isolated specific antigenic fractions of the pathogen.
Structure of the National Immunization Schedule
Immunization programs are dynamic systems. They are constantly modernized due to changes in the epidemiological situation, the development of new drugs, and increasing safety requirements. Both domestic and foreign vaccines that have passed official state registration are approved for use in the Russian Federation.
The logic of the schedule is based on dividing courses into:
- Primary vaccination: aimed at establishing baseline immunity.
- Revaccination (booster): necessary to maintain protective antibody titers at designated age periods from birth to 14 years.
Decoding of vaccines and administration timelines
To correctly read the schedules, one must know the main abbreviations and the rules for their application:
- HepB (hepatitis B vaccine). Standard schedule for children outside risk groups: 0–1–6 months. For risk groups (mother is an HBsAg carrier or had hepatitis B in the 3rd trimester; parental drug addiction), the 0–1–2–12 schedule is used, with the first dose administered strictly within the first 24 hours of life.
- BCG / BCG-M (live tuberculosis vaccine from an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis). Vaccination is performed in the neonatal period using the gentler BCG-M vaccine. Standard BCG is used when the regional incidence is above 80 cases per 100,000 population or there is a household contact with a TB patient. Revaccination (BCG) is performed at 7 or 14 years of age only with negative tuberculin skin tests.
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whole-cell pertussis vaccine). Administered three times: at 3, 4.5, and 6 months. The first booster is at 18 months. At 7 and 14 years of age, DT (diphtheria and tetanus toxoid) is used for revaccination, omitting the pertussis component.
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b). Synchronized with DTaP: at 3, 4.5, and 6 months. Single booster dose at 18 months.
- IPV / OPV (poliomyelitis). The schedule involves a sequential change of the vaccine type. The first two doses at 3 and 4.5 months are administered as the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). The third dose at 6 months is the live oral polio vaccine (OPV). Revaccination is performed exclusively with OPV three times: at 18 mos., 20 mos., and at 14 years of age.
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). Vaccination is performed after maternal antibodies wane at 12 months. Revaccination is administered before school, at 6 years of age.
The vaccination schedule for DTaP and Hib matches by months: "three at one and a half [months], then at one and a half [years]". Vaccination is performed at 3, 4.5, and 6 months (1.5-month interval), and the first booster is at exactly 1.5 years (18 months).
Class and exam questions
What is the difference between primary vaccination and revaccination?
Primary vaccination is necessary to establish baseline immunity against an infection. Revaccination is performed at strictly designated age periods to maintain protective antibody titers in the blood.
Why is the type of vaccine changed during polio vaccination?
The schedule provides for a sequential change of vaccines: the first two doses (at 3 and 4.5 months) are given using an inactivated vaccine, while the third dose (at 6 months) and all subsequent boosters use a live oral vaccine.
Which children belong to the hepatitis B risk group?
Risk groups include children whose mother is an HBsAg carrier, had hepatitis B in the 3rd trimester, or was not screened. Parental drug addiction and the presence of an HBsAg carrier or hepatitis B patient in the household are also considered risk factors.
What else to study on this topic
- Rationale for choosing between BCG and BCG-M vaccines
- Mechanisms of baseline immunity development following toxoid administration
- Specifics of the immune response to live and inactivated vaccines
- Hepatitis B viral markers (HBsAg) and their significance for screening pregnant women
- Reasons for switching from the DTaP vaccine to DT for revaccination of older children
Master the entire topic in the Pediatrics course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on the "National Preventive Vaccination Schedule" and 3,738 more pages of the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 71 video lessons on the subject
Other topics in "Chapter 1. General Issues"
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