Immunoprophylaxis and cough - is it possible to get vaccinated?

To protect a child from the risks of contracting serious and dangerous diseases, immunization is carried out through the introduction of special vaccines. While still in the maternity hospital, the baby is given the first BCG vaccination against tuberculosis. Then, according to the established schedule, subsequent vaccinations are carried out. To ensure that vaccinations do not harm the child’s health, you need to know the rules for their implementation. Sometimes immunization is postponed to another time or canceled altogether. Even a simple cough or runny nose can be a contraindication.

Types of vaccinations in childhood

Immunization carried out according to plan quickly forms specific immunity to serious and dangerous diseases. Vaccines contain weakened or destroyed pathogens. Their quantity is sufficient to activate immune cells to produce antibodies. Specific antibodies remain in the body for a long time and protect the body.

Children are given the following vaccinations against:

• Tuberculosis.
• Diphtheria.
• Whooping cough.
• Tetanus.
• Poliomyelitis.
• Rubella.
• Mumps.
• Hepatitis B.
• Corey.

This is not the entire list of vaccines used for children. The list of vaccination calendar is updated every year.

Contraindications

Thanks to vaccinations, humanity has managed to resist a number of deadly diseases and significantly reduce the risk of suffering from many serious illnesses. In order for vaccination to be effective and fully protect the body, it is necessary to take into account the presence of contraindications to its implementation.

True contraindications include cases when, when assessing the child’s health condition, it is determined that the vaccine cannot be administered categorically. They may concern absolutely all vaccinations or a specific drug.

No vaccination can be administered if a girl or boy has:

• Oncopathology.
• Conditions of immunodeficiency.
• Acute and aggravated chronic diseases.
• Negative reactions or consequences caused by previous vaccination.
• Severe forms of allergic reactions.

What are relative contraindications? These are those that have subjective reasons:

• When parents object to vaccinations if, in their opinion, the child is unwell (he may cough occasionally) or may be allergic to the drug.
• When doctors refuse to administer a vaccine if a child has clear nasal discharge or, for example, dysbacteriosis. Especially when it comes to DTP vaccination.
• Medical advice from vaccination in the presence of anemia, allergies and encephalopathy.

Relative reasons do not serve as a basis for completely refusing vaccination.

Existing features of routine vaccination of children

The Ministry of Health of each state, which cares about the health of its citizens, develops a vaccination calendar, which makes it possible to create artificial immunity among the population. This calendar clearly states the timing and types of vaccines that need to be administered. The plan is drawn up based on the characteristics of the child’s age and the list of pathologies that children most often encounter during this period.

Vaccination calendar

The vaccination calendar contains those injections that protect the population from infections to which absolutely everyone is susceptible. It also includes those that can be done at will during epidemics or seasonal exacerbations.

Children who have been vaccinated against the influenza virus almost never become infected with this infection. The small percentage that did become infected survived the disease much easier than those who were not vaccinated.

The DPT vaccine is considered the most controversial. Although it simultaneously protects against several serious infections (whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus), it is most often difficult for children to tolerate. Side effects almost always develop, differing only in severity.

Vaccinations of any kind must be agreed upon with parents and the attending physician. Before administering the vaccine, the doctor will examine the baby and issue a referral for some laboratory tests.

Vaccinations for coughs

Most doctors specializing in pediatrics are unanimous in the opinion that if a child coughs a lot and is unable to clear his throat, then it is not advisable to vaccinate such a patient. It is better to postpone vaccination until complete recovery. Vaccinations provoke stress in the body and a general weakening of well-being.

When children suffer from respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections, one of the manifestations of the disease is a cough. The protective functions of a child’s body during illness are weakened and it will be difficult for him to cope with the immunization procedure.

In a situation where a small person is sick with bronchial asthma, then any vaccination carries a mortal danger. Immunization is contraindicated for such children.

Is it possible to give a DPT vaccine to a child who has a cough? Before starting vaccination, each child must be examined by a doctor. Based on the results, a decision is made to vaccinate now or postpone until a later date until the patient has fully recovered.

If a child coughs and has a high temperature, in this case doctors strongly advise rescheduling the procedure. It is recommended to wait at least a month after the end of the illness until the child’s body has fully recovered.

Treatment and prevention of cough

Therapy for prolonged cough should be combined, consisting of medications and physiotherapeutic procedures. If such a condition occurs, you must visit a pediatrician, who must determine the exact cause of the cough.

Treatment of dry cough is aimed at its transition to a productive form, in which liquefaction and separation of mucus in the respiratory tract occurs. When wet - to facilitate and accelerate the removal of mucus from them. In this case, the doctor may prescribe:

1. Antitussive medications containing codeine. Among such drugs are: Codterpine, Glycodin, Codelac, Tusuprex, Omnitus. Take one tablet 2 - 3 times a day.
2. Medicines that block cough (B-blockers). For example, Stoptussin, Flavamed, Bronchicum, Sinekod. Available in tablet and liquid form. The therapeutic course should not exceed one and a half to two weeks.
3. Medicines with an antiviral effect (Amizon, Novirin, Anaferon, Amiksin, Aflubin). Prescribed for viral cough. Take 1 - 2 tablets. 2 – 4 rubles/day.
4. Antibiotics (Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Amoxil, Biseptol). Used when the condition in question is of a bacteriological nature. The course of treatment is usually 5–7 days. Take the drug 1 - 2 tablets. 1 – 2 rubles/day after eating.
5. Anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Seratta). Drink 1 - 2 tablets. 2 – 3 rubles/day. after the meal. The duration of treatment is 1 – 1.5 weeks.
6. Antihistamines (L-Cet, Suprastin). Take 1 tablet. 1 time/day after the meal. The course of therapy is 5–7 days.
7. Antipyretic medications (Panadol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Paracetamol). Used to reduce temperatures that have reached 38°. Take 1 - 2 tablets. after meal.
8. Vitamins (Dekamevit, Ascocil). Helps improve the body's protective qualities. Drink 1 tablet. 2 – 3 r. days no more than 1 – 1.5 weeks.

We recommend reading: How to treat a living space against coronavirus: what to do if there is a sick person in the apartment

To prevent the development of a pathological phenomenon in the human body, the following preventive rules should be followed:

1. Avoid hypothermia.
2. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
3. Avoid contact with infected people.
4. Use a medical mask while in public places during an increased incidence of influenza/ARVI.
5. Eliminate a bad habit (smoking).
6. Control your drinking regime. It is recommended to drink up to 2 - 2.5 liters of liquid daily.
7. During epidemics, get vaccinated.
8. Avoid passive smoking (exposure to tobacco smoke).

If painful symptoms appear, you should go to a pediatrician, who will determine the exact cause of the cough and prescribe appropriate treatment, taking into account the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the child’s body. Self-medication is strongly not recommended.

Features of vaccination

In order for a child to develop artificial immunity, it is necessary to carry out immunization according to a developed schedule, which is approved by the Ministry of Health. The vaccination calendar specifically describes the types of vaccines and when they should be administered. The national vaccination calendar consists of two parts:

• The first section lists vaccines against diseases that generally affect all people (varicella, rubella, measles, whooping cough).
• The second lists vaccines against focal infections, such as influenza.

The most frequently debated issue is the flu vaccine. Medical experts are divided in opinion. Some insist on vaccination and consider it life-saving during epidemics. Others are absolutely sure of its uselessness. The flu vaccination is done solely at the request of a particular person during the autumn-winter period, when epidemics of viral and colds rage.

DTP is one of those vaccinations that are difficult for children to tolerate. It is this vaccine that can cause adverse reactions, even if the child tolerated other drugs well. To avoid undesirable consequences, parents need to know the reasons why vaccination should be canceled.

These include:

• Temporary factors. These are colds and infectious diseases; increased body temperature; worsening chronic illnesses. A coughing child should also not be vaccinated; he must first be completely cured. If you have a dry cough, when you do not cough up sputum, it is also not recommended to administer the vaccine.
• Absolute contraindications. These include progressive deviations in the functioning of the central nervous system; severely tolerated previous vaccinations; a history of seizures, including after previously administered vaccines; immunodeficiency; individual sensitivity and intolerance to the components of the drug.

If your son or daughter has any disease or if you are worried that the administered drug may provoke the development of undesirable consequences, it would be wise to first consult with your doctor. There are vaccines that do not contain pertussis toxoids, which cause side effects. Perhaps this is what the doctor will prescribe.

It is important to understand that DTP vaccination requires special care and responsibility from both parents and doctors.

Is it important to vaccinate?

Disputes continue among supporters and opponents of vaccinations. However, vaccinations have a number of advantages:

• this is a method that has been proven over the years so that the body can resist severe infections;
• the procedure activates the work of your own immune system;
• vaccination makes the course of the disease easier, if it does occur;
• During epidemics, after vaccination, a person has a higher chance of not getting sick.

Vaccinations only protect if administered correctly.

Let's sum it up

Do not be upset if you do not give your child one of the vaccinations if he has contraindications to its administration. This does not mean that the baby will definitely get this disease in the future. In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to strengthen the immune system. Discuss with your pediatrician how to increase the child’s body’s defenses and develop resistance to infections and viruses.

It is also worth noting that none of the vaccinations provides 100% protection against disease. But if the child is vaccinated, the disease is much easier and the likelihood of developing severe consequences is significantly reduced. The most effective vaccinations are those after which you can check the presence of antibodies produced in the blood. If vaccination has not completed its task, then the vaccination can be repeated.

If mothers and fathers believe that vaccination is not advisable for their child, then parents can be advised to undergo an immunity test. Its results will show the level of protective capabilities of the child’s body against infectious diseases. An immunologist can issue a referral for diagnostics. The data obtained will help parents make the right decision regarding vaccination.

Should you vaccinate your child against the flu? 5 questions for a pediatrician

A vaccination campaign has begun in the country ahead of the flu season. The vaccine against the infection is included in the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations of the Russian Federation for 2021, which means that you can vaccinate your child against the flu completely free of charge - in a clinic, kindergarten, or school. However, many parents are still afraid of vaccinations against this dangerous infection.

Should your child get a flu vaccine?

My five year old daughter has allergies. Can she get a flu shot?

Need to! Be sure to get a flu shot. If your child gets sick, the consequences can be very sad. For example, in asthmatics, the flu causes a worsening of the disease. And in general, this is a deadly disease - influenza. You should get vaccinated in any case, and especially for allergy sufferers.

For a 5-year-old child, one vaccination is enough. If he has never been vaccinated before, then he needs to get two vaccinations in a row with a break of a month.

There are, of course, children who cannot even stand the sight of a chicken egg, their allergic reaction is so strong. Then there is no need to get vaccinated. But there are only one or two such allergy sufferers in all of Russia. And if after a child eats scrambled eggs, he develops a small rash, the vaccine is safe. The vaccine practically does not cause allergic reactions. At least much less often than chocolate, honey and other products.

Consequences of the flu vaccine for a child

In our class, all parents refused the free flu vaccination that takes place at school. Many people are afraid of adverse reactions. What can be the consequences of vaccination?

No consequences, no side effects. No matter how many years we have been vaccinating, there has been nothing terrible after the vaccination. If everyone refused, then these parents are illiterate people. This is a vile herd feeling when a person is turned on by stories like “But my neighbor told me...”. Unfortunately, widespread psychosis is characteristic of many of our compatriots - they listen to all sorts of fables and refuse something good. Well, let them get sick.

I have been monitoring children who come to us with the flu for 40 years. Not a single one among them was vaccinated. They are seriously ill. Sometimes the flu ends in death, unfortunately.

There are many flu vaccines available now. Which is better - ours or imported ones? What vaccinations are given as part of the National Calendar?

Most Russians are vaccinated with domestic vaccines. There are several of them. In our vaccines, the amount of antigen is reduced, but polyoxidonium is introduced, which stimulates the development of immunity. Remember: no one will ever license a bad vaccine! Yes, there are many of them, but only good, proven ones are licensed. I love domestic vaccines. However, if someone wants an imported one, for God’s sake. Our vaccines “Grippol” and “Grippol+” are usually purchased as part of the National Calendar. Small, infants are usually vaccinated with vaccines without preservatives. And although vaccines with preservatives are harmless, for some reason people shy away from them. You can read about whether the vaccine contains a preservative or not in the instructions for it.

A vaccination campaign is currently taking place in Moscow near metro stations. In these trailers does a doctor examine people before vaccination? Is there a risk that in such traveling conditions a person with a cold or runny nose will receive the vaccine?

No vaccine will be licensed if it requires some kind of immunity testing before it can be administered. All vaccines can be given to everyone. But, of course, doctors will not administer the vaccine to a person with a temperature of 39 degrees C. A healthy person can go and get vaccinated, especially if he is able to travel by subway. Everyone must decide for themselves whether to get vaccinated today or maybe wait a week.

I personally get vaccinated regardless of whether I have a runny nose or not. I also vaccinate my household.

Vaccination at the metro is a very good promotion. If we managed to vaccinate all 140 million Russians, there would be no flu in the country at all. But 100 million of us don’t want to get vaccinated, and we still have the flu. Of course, they may not “get it” with the vaccine - they may introduce into it the wrong strain that will come with the epidemic. This happened the year before last. But in any case, there is a difference in the course of the disease between vaccinated and unvaccinated people. An unvaccinated person can die from the flu. I have been vaccinated for many, many years. For me it is as natural as brushing my teeth every day.

The flu shot is about hygiene. A competent, cultured person does not allow himself to walk around with dirty hands, ears, or unvaccinated against the flu.

I like the example of the Sverdlovsk region, where there was no epidemic for many years in a row. Even during the pandemic, everything was calm in the region. They managed to vaccinate 45% of the population - and this is the result.

My child is often sick. Do immunocompromised children need a flu vaccine? Will it be an even bigger blow to the immune system?

Weak immunity is a myth. Very rarely, children are born with defects in one or another part of the immune system. And they do not suffer from ARVI, but from severe bacterial or fungal infections. A frequently ill child does not have, as not very enlightened mothers like to say, “poor immunity.” The cause of colds may be hidden in enlarged adenoids. Or older children infect the child with ARVI... But in any case, with age, such a child will get sick less often. Often sick children should be vaccinated first. Vaccination will not make a child more susceptible to disease; on the contrary, it will protect against infection.