CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATIONS

A preterm baby was due 8 week immunisations and received pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) based on an older schedule rather than the new schedule (changed 1 January 2020). Vaccines administered at specific ages are based on response to the vaccine, the age-specific risk of the disease, the risk of disease complication and the likelihood of achieving high coverage. This case report highlights what to do if a vaccine is administered at an inappropriate time and how to rectify it.

 

Level 4 evidence was used (based on expert opinion)

 

PCV vaccine gave before 12 weeks has low immunogenicity.

There is a wide uptake of PCV vaccination in the community and accordingly there is a low disease burden. Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) based on evidence, have removed One dose from the previous schedule and advised to give the PCV vaccine at 12 weeks and a booster at 12 months. The advice is made with reference to the UK immunisation programme. Public health experts continue to monitor the cases in the advent of this change.

 

All babies born on or after 1/1/2020 should follow the new schedule.

When PCV is given before the scheduled date then a repeat vaccine must be given at 12 weeks of age, provided 4 weeks gap maintained between two PCV 13 vaccines.

A booster should be given at the age of one year.

Duty of Candour – report the incident (as per local policy) and inform the parents

about the error (and answer any associated questions).