How is a vaccine against ticks administered to children? - briefly
The tick vaccine is given by subcutaneous injection in a three‑dose series (initial dose, a booster one month later, and a final dose six months after the first). Each dose is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting according to pediatric dosing guidelines.
How is a vaccine against ticks administered to children? - in detail
The pediatric tick vaccine is delivered by intramuscular injection. The product is supplied in single‑dose vials that require refrigeration at 2‑8 °C and must be brought to room temperature before use. After removal from the cold chain, the vial is gently swirled to dissolve the lyophilized powder; no shaking is permitted to avoid protein denaturation.
The recommended regimen consists of three doses. The first dose is administered at 12 months of age, the second dose 1 month later, and the third dose 6 months after the second. Each injection contains 0.5 mL of the reconstituted solution, delivering the full antigenic load.
Injections are performed in the deltoid muscle of children older than 2 years; for infants, the anterolateral thigh is the preferred site. A 23‑25 gauge needle, 5‑25 mm in length depending on the child's body mass, ensures adequate penetration without excessive discomfort. The skin is cleansed with an alcohol swab, allowed to dry, and the injection is given at a 90° angle.
Prior to administration, a brief health assessment confirms the absence of fever, acute illness, or known hypersensitivity to any vaccine component. Contraindications include severe allergic reaction to a previous dose, immunosuppressive therapy, or a history of Guillain‑Barré syndrome. Post‑vaccination observation for 15 minutes monitors for immediate adverse events such as anaphylaxis, local swelling, or fever.
Documentation records the child's identifier, vaccine lot number, expiration date, administration date, injection site, and any observed reactions. The completed schedule is verified by a pediatrician before the final dose, and a booster may be recommended after 5 years, depending on emerging epidemiological data.