2017 HCHB_digital

Childhood Diseases and Immunisations
Several infectious diseases are more prevalent in children than in adults;
however, non-immune adults are still susceptible to catching these diseases.
Immunisation is the process by which a child or adult is made resistant to an
infectious disease, typically by administration of a vaccine. It is a proven tool for
controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases and the World
Health Organization estimates it averts between two million and three million
deaths per year.
Benefits of immunisation far outweigh risks but customers seeking
reassurance about the safety and effectiveness of specific vaccines are best
referred to the Immunisation Advisory Centre (www.immune.org.nz or 0800
IMMUNE). This organisation is based at the University of Auckland and provides
independent, factual information based on international and New Zealand
scientific research regarding vaccine-preventable diseases and the benefits and
risks of immunisation.
The National Immunisation Schedule (NIS) is the series of vaccines that are
generally offered free to babies, children, adolescents and adults of certain
ages in New Zealand, although some vaccines have restrictions on their use.
Revaccination of children following significant immunosuppression (eg, as a
result of chemotherapy) is also funded for most vaccines on the NIS, as long
as eligibility rules apply. The current schedule can be found on the Ministry of
Health’s website at www.health.govt.nz. Detailed consumer information
on diseases and vaccines, including diseases not covered by the National
Immunisation Schedule, can be found in the YourHealth section of this website.
Pharmacy staff can help improve immunisation rates by:
• reminding caregivers about the Well Child programme (see text box opposite)
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Category Examples Comments
Simple analgesics
Non-steroidal antiinflammatory
drugs
(NSAIDs)
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, paracetamol – less than 20 tablets,
(Panadol, Paracare)
[PHARMACY ONLY MEDICINE]
eg, paracetamol – greater than 20 tablets,
suspension (Pamol range, Paracare range)
[PHARMACY ONLY MEDICINE]
eg, ibuprofen (Advil, Fenpaed, Nurofen)
Paracetamol has few side effects and is safe for occasional use at recommended dosages.
Take care to avoid overdose. Advise customers to check strength, formulation and dosage instructions on the
back of the product packet, and to never exceed these.
Given to relieve discomfort rather than to bring down a fever (for more information see Fever).
Paracetamol is not recommended for routine use before or after vaccination as it may decrease the antibody
response to vaccines, and therefore lasting immunity (infection-fighting ability).
Avoid NSAIDs in chickenpox due to the rare possibility of complications. Ibuprofen may not be suitable for
some children (see Childhood Pain and Baby Teething).
Anti-pruritics
Vaccinations: tetanus/
diphtheria/ pertussis
(Tdap), meningococcal
Natural / herbal products
/ supplements
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Pinetarsol, PoxClin
[PRESCRIPTION] –except when
administered by a registered pharmacist
who has successfully completed an
approved vaccinator training course
Honey, calendula ointment, zinc cream,
vitamin A ointment
Tar-based pine oil products are useful in the bath to help reduce itching.
PoxClin has a natural cooling action and helps enhance the skin's protective barrier. Also relieves itch.
Tdap vaccine (eg, Boostrix) can only be administered by pharmacists to persons aged 18 years or over.
Meningococcal vaccine (Menactra, Neis Vac-C) can only be administered by pharmacists to persons aged 16
years or over. Influenza (see Influenza), varicella (see Shingles) and Dukoral (see Travel Health) vaccines
can also be administered by suitably trained pharmacists. Refer to a doctor or the Immunisation Handbook
available at www.health.govt.nz for more information about cost and availability of all vaccines.
One to two teaspoonfuls of honey taken at night can be effective at relieving cough associated with some
childhood diseases. Calendula or vitamin A ointment or zinc cream may help relieve irritated skin and reduce
scarring (ie, from chickenpox).
Page 24 HEALTHCARE HANDBOOK 2017-2018 Common Disorders