Chamberlain College of Nursing VACCINES PREVENTABLE DISEASES. A Nursing Student s Guide to Vaccination Requirements

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1 Chamberlain College of Nursing VACCINES & PREVENTABLE DISEASES A Nursing Student s Guide to Vaccination Requirements

2 How Do Vaccines Prevent Disease? Hepatitis A Vaccines prevent disease in the people who receive them and protect those who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals. Vaccines work to protect infants, children, and adults from illnesses and death caused by infectious diseases. It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. What is a Titer? A titer measures the amount of antibody against a specific antigen in the blood; a blood test that shows rising titers usually means that a specific disease is present and that the body is making antibodies to fight the disease. What is a Booster? A booster is an additional vaccine dose needed to boost (increase) antibody levels after childhood immunization protection begins to decrease. Who Should Receive a Vaccination Waiver? If a person is diagnosed with certain medical conditions, including pregnancy, their doctor may recommend waiting or not receiving a vaccine at all. If you feel this applies to you, discuss it with your primary care physician and then contact the Chamberlain Clinical Compliance Office to request a waiver. What is Hepatitis A? The word Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause Hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of the family of viral infections that affect the liver; the most common of these are Hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. important after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, handling feces or stool samples, or before preparing and/or eating food. of Hepatitis A may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). can appear anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks after exposure and develop over a period of several days. Some people with Hepatitis A do not have any symptoms. How is Hepatitis A Transmitted? Hepatitis A transmission can occur when There are no special treatments for someone infected with the virus touches an Hepatitis A. Most people with Hepatitis A object or food after going to the bathroom will feel sick for a few months before they and someone else comes in contact with begin to feel better. Some people need to that same object or food. be hospitalized. During this time, doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. People infected with As required by clinical site. There are vaccines to prevent Hepatitis A Hepatitis A should check with a health and B; however there is no vaccine for professional before taking any prescription Hepatitis C. Proper hand washing pills, supplements, or over-the-counter techniques are also effective in preventing medications, which can potentially damage the spread of the virus. This is especially the liver. Alcohol should be avoided. 2 3 Photo Credit: CDC

3 Hepatitis B (HBV) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Your proof of immunity and/or completion of your vaccination series is required. Photo Credit: CDC What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B (HBV) is a disease of the liver caused by a virus. The infection is caused by exposure to blood and serum-derived bodily fluids and is the major infectious disease among health care personnel. How is Hepatitis B Transmitted? Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person or by unprotected sexual activity with an infected person. The disease can be transmitted by sharing needles for drug use or passed on to a newborn during birth from an infected mother. It is especially important for health care workers to protect themselves as they can be exposed to Hepatitis B through needle sticks or sharps exposure. The Hepatitis B vaccine is the best known protection against contracting the disease. Hepatitis B can also be prevented by consistently and correctly using latex condoms during sexual activity, not using illegal IV drugs or sharing needles, and protecting yourself from items that might have blood on them. of HBV include yellow skin or eyes, tiredness, stomach ache, loss of appetite, nausea, or joint pain. The younger the person the greater the likelihood of staying infected and having life-long liver problems such as scarring of the liver and liver cancer. Often, especially in older patients, there are no early symptoms of the disease. People infected with HBV should also be evaluated by their doctor for liver disease. Adefovir Dipivoxil, Interferon Alfa-2b, Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a, Lamivudine, Entecavir, and Telbivudine are six commonly prescribed drugs used for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B. Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. The virus normally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and in those that line the lungs. Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands, one of three pairs of salivary glands, located below and in front of your ears. Rubella is an acute viral disease and is sometimes called German measles or three-day measles. How is it Transmitted? Measles, Mumps and Rubella are all spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Measles is highly contagious. Mumps replicate in the upper respiratory tract and spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions, saliva, or through fomites. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine can prevent all three of these diseases. Measles symptoms last about a week and include; rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Measles complications include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures and death. The primary sign of mumps is swollen salivary glands that cause the cheeks to puff out. Other symptoms include: pain with chewing or swallowing, fever, weakness and fatigue. Rubella is a mild disease in children and young adults with symptoms that include: rash and fever for two to three days. The signs and symptoms of rubella are often so mild that they are difficult to notice. No treatments can get rid of established Measles, Mumps or Rubella infections. In most cases, the infections will run their course and typically require no medical treatment. Your proof of immunity from MMR through titer or proof of your completion of vaccination booster is required. 4 5

4 Polio (IPV/OPV) Varicella (VZV or Chickenpox) As required by clinical site. Photo Credit: CDC/ Dr. Ray Butler; Janice Carr What is Polio? Polio is a viral disease of the nervous system. In its most severe form, polio causes paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death. How is Polio Transmitted? Poliovirus spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route, especially in areas where sanitation is inadequate. The disease can also be transmitted through contaminated water and food. There is some evidence showing that flies may spread the virus to food or through direct contact with someone infected with the virus or who has recently received an oral polio vaccine (OPV), which contains the live virus. The most effective way to prevent the disease is with the polio vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and state that while routine polio vaccination is not required for adults, those traveling to areas where polio still occurs or working in laboratory and health care settings should take precautions to ensure they are adequately protected. Polio symptoms may include fever, sore throat, nausea, headache, stomach ache, and stiffness in the neck, back, and legs. Because no cure for polio exists, the focus is on increasing comfort, speeding recovery and preventing complications. What is Varicella (VZV or Chickenpox)? Varicella is an airborne viral disease that causes an itchy rash. How is Varicella Transmitted? The Varicella virus is transmitted by direct contact with the rash or by droplets dispersed into the air by coughing or sneezing. The Varicella vaccine can prevent this disease. Varicella symptoms include a skin rash of blister-like lesions, usually on the face, scalp, or trunk. In otherwise healthy children, chickenpox typically requires no medical treatment. An antihistamine can be used to relieve itching. Photo Credit: CDC/ Dr. Erskine Palmer; B.G. Partin Your proof of immunity through titer or proof of your completion of vaccination booster is required. 6 7

5 PPD (TB/Tuberculosis) Td (Tetanus-diphtheria) An annual screening and a one time two-step PPD are required; positive screens require chest x-ray and physician clearance. Photo Credit: CDC/ Dr. Ray Butler; Janice Carr What is Tuberculosis (TB)? Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. How is Tuberculosis Transmitted? TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. The TB disease is perpetuated by people with untreated or an absence of symptoms. Proper, timely diagnosis and annual screenings are the best forms of prevention. Annual screenings include a tuberculin skin test that detects only if a person has been infected with TB germs. Other tests, such as a chest x-ray and sputum sample, are needed to determine if a person has the TB disease. Health care professionals can prevent contracting TB by wearing a mask while intubating, resuscitating, or closely examining the oropharynx of patients. The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood. TB disease can be treated by taking several drugs for 6 to 12 months. What is Tetanus-diphtheria? Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system caused by bacteria, also referred to as lockjaw. Diphtheria is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria. How is Tetanus-diphtheria transmitted? Tetanus enters the body through a break in the skin. Diphtheria spreads by coughing and sneezing. A booster or vaccination are the best ways to prevent contracting the disease. Booster shots are effective for up to 10 years. If you have not had a booster shot in the last 10 years, then you should receive one. If you have never had the initial 3-shot series, then you should be vaccinated. Early symptoms of tetanus include lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen, and difficulty swallowing. Later symptoms of tetanus include severe muscle spasms, generalized tonic seizure-like activity, and severe autonomic nervous system disorders. Diphtheria toxoid (contained in Tdap, DTP, DTaP, DT or Td vaccines) can prevent these diseases. Photo Credit: CDC Your proof of immunity through proof completion of your vaccination within the past 10 years is required. 8 9

6 Influenza (Flu) Meningococcal Disease An annual Flu shot is required. What is Influenza (Flu)? Influenza is a highly infectious virus illness. How is Influenza Transmitted? The influenza virus is spread mainly through the coughs and sneezes of infected persons. The virus may also be spread by touching an object contaminated with influenza and then touching the mouth or nose. Influenza vaccine will help prevent this disease. Vaccination is highly recommended for infants, the elderly, and health care workers. The CDC and Joint Commission recommend mandatory vaccination policies for health care workers. Several Chamberlain clinical partners currently require vaccination as a pre-condition of clinical experience. Influenza symptoms include fever, chills, dry cough, runny nose, body aches, headache, and sore throat. (Note: Adults rarely have upset stomachs or diarrhea from influenza. The stomach flu is not influenza.) There are four current antiviral medications approved in the United States: Amantadine, Rimantadine, Zanamivir, and Oseltamivir. What is Meningococcal Disease? Meningococcal Disease is a severe bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, bloodstream infection, and other localized infections. Although the disease is not common in the United States, in those who get it, symptoms develop and progress rapidly and can lead to death in hours. Meningitis is an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Onset can be abrupt and the course of disease rapid. Meningococcal disease can be seasonal with cases often peaking in December and January. How is Meningococcal Disease Transmitted? Transmission of meningococcal disease is uncommon, but it can be passed via respiratory secretions. Face-to-face contact permits the exchange of salivary secretions from people who are ill or are carriers. Health care workers can prevent contracting meningococcal disease by wearing a mask while intubating, resuscitating, or closely examining the oropharynx of patients. Meningitis is characterized by fever, headache, and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and mental status changes. Meningococcal bacteremia is characterized by sudden onset of fever and in severe cases a petechial rash (small red or purple spots on the skin) or purpuric rash (red or purple discolorations on the skin). Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. Appropriate antibiotic treatment of most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15%. Photo Credit: CDC/James Volk The Meningococcal vaccination is recommended but not required

7 Chamberlain College of Nursing National Management Offices 3005 Highland Parkway Downers Grove, IL National Toll-Free Number: CCN (8226) chamberlain.edu chamberlain.edu/clinicals References 1. WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise. Last Updated: November 04, This page last modified on July 19, Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases This page was last updated on June 6, Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Item #P2017 (3/07). 5. Williams, W. W., M.D., M.P.H. & Alter, M. J., Ph.D., M.P.H. (1996). Immunization of Health-Care Workers. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly, Vol. 46 / No. RR Chamberlain College of Nursing LLC All rights reserved. XXXXXXXX 1210ccnlcp