Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.
------------------------------------------------------------
October 23, 2002
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"No Increase in Apnea/Bradycardia Spells Seen After Immunization in Preemies" Reuters Health Information Services (www.reutershealth.com) (10/21/02); Rauscher, Megan
The results of a report presented at the recent American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference indicate that immunizations should not be delayed in premature infants. Dr. Richard C. Lussky of the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis noted that while some recent reports suggested there could be an increase in the rate and/or severity of apnea and bradycardia
(A&B) in premature babies after their first set of shots, his study on about 30 preemies evaluated so far revealed no change in A&B incidence or oxygenation before and after immunization. He said that about half of the babies had a slight increase in respiratory rate after immunization, while 14 percent had an increased need for nebulizations after the shots were given and 21 percent required supplemental oxygen. The American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines state that premature infants should be vaccinated as if they were full term, and Dr. Lussky concurs with that recommendation, noting that these babies are high-risk patients and need to be protected.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.