Children Out of Step With Immunization

Abstract

From the many studies cited several points can be seen. (1) Diphtheria and tetanus are good immunizing agents which produce long-term immunity. (2) A series of two diphtheria-tetanus plus a booster one year later is adequate for basic immunization. (3) Two injections of pertussis at least 60 days apart produce levels of agglutinin that are equal to the amount produced by three injections. (4) Prolonged time between the injections of the basic series of diphtheria-tetanus does not interfere with the final immunity. There is no need to "restart" a DPT series. (5) After the basic series and booster a DT every ten years is adequate to preserve immunity. (6) A series of two trivalent oral polio doses eight weeks apart and a booster one year later is adequate for basic immunization. (7) Live viral vaccines can be given together, and, if desired, oral polio, smallpox, measles, and mumps can be given simultaneously. For a child over the age of 1 year who has had no immunizations, the following schedule could be utilized. First visit: DPT (or DT), trivalent polio, tine test; two months later: DPT (or DT), trivalent polio, measles; and one year later: DT, trivalent polio. If desired, mumps and rubella can also be given at the time of the second visit. With current information available, it is now possible for us as physicians to adequately immunize in three visits the child who is out of step with immunization.