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Contra-lndications
1. A child should not be vaccinated or immunised during the maximum incubation period of an
infectious disease to which it might be susceptible, orwhile convalescent from a specific fever.
2. To live Vaccines (Oral Polio, Measles, B.C.G., Smallpox) are all absolutely contra-indicated
in cases:-
(a) Suffering from Leukaemia, Hodgkins Disease, any other Malignant condition or
Hypogammaglobulinaemia.
(b) Undergoing Cortico-Steroid or Immuno-Supressive treatment.
(c) in the first four months of pregnancy.
3. To Triple Immunisation. If there is a history or family history of convulsions or allergy
DT/PTAH should be given instead of D.T.P. If there is a strong reaction to the first injection
of D.T.P., DT/PTAH should be given instead, probably in half aosage. If the reaction to the
D.T.P. is really severe, immunisation may have to be discontinued.
Minor respiratory infections need NOT be contra-indications to immunisation, but postpone if
the temperature is raised.
4. To Polio Immunisation (In addition to those in Section 2 above)
Diarrhoea is a contra-indication as it may interfere with the oesired establishment of "gut
immunity".
5. To Smallpox Vaccination (In addition to those in Section 2 above)
(a) If there is a history of ECZEMA, vaccination should certainly be postponed until the skin
is clear, even then it should probably be avoided except in special circumstances.
(b) If another child in the household has ECZEMA.
(c) If there is a history of other allergic conditions.
(d) In the presence of septic skin conditions.
(e) If there is failure to thrive.
(f) In adults who have Multiple Sclerosis.
6. To Measles Vaccination (In adaition to those in Section 2 above)
(a) If suffering from acute illness or active T.B.
(b) If there is a history of allergic conditions (especially sensitivity to hen's eggs).
(c) If there is a history or family history of convulsions.
In the presence of chronic chest or heart disease the simultaneous administration of the
special immune globulin should be considered.
NOTES (On New Immunisation Schedule)
1. Half volume antigens (Triple, Dip-Tet, Tet) are to be used as a routine ana it is probably aavisable
to draw up 0.6 ml. In special circumstances, when reduced oosage is considered aesirable more
accurate volumes can be obtained by using full volume antigen.
2. The recommended age for starting immunisations is now SIX MONTHS:-
(a) because before this age the antibody response may be reduced by the presence of maternal
antibody.
(b) because the child's antibody - forming mechanism is immature in the early months of life.
(c) because severe reactions to Pertussis vaccine are less common in children over six months of
age, than at three months.
The earliest age at which the first dose CAN be given is three months, but this should only be done
in special circumstances (e.g. child going abroad).
3. (a) The MINIMUM interval between visits 1 and 2 should be six weeks and between visits 2 and 3
four months. The MAXIMUM acceptable interval between visits 1 and 2 is three months, and
between 2 and 3 twelve months. If these MAXIMUM intervals are exceeded the programme
should be re-started.
(b) An interval of 3 to 4 weeks should be allowed to elapse between the administration of any two
LIVE vaccines, or between the administration of Triple vaccine and a LIVE vaccine, other than
Oral Polio (e.g. Re-vaccination for Smallpox at School Entry must be one month later than the
Dip-Tet and Polio boosters).
(c) If Oral Polio vaccine is being given alone, as in the case of ante-natal patients, the intervals
should be six weeks between the first and second dose and six months between the second and
third dose. (As the third dose will not be given before delivery, it is suggested that the course
should be completed when the mother attends the clinic with the baby).
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