How is the tick vaccine administered to children? - briefly
The tick vaccine is delivered by intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm, following a schedule of three doses (initial, one‑month booster, and a six‑month booster). Administration is performed by a healthcare professional under standard pediatric vaccination protocols.
How is the tick vaccine administered to children? - in detail
The tick vaccine for pediatric use is delivered as an intramuscular injection. The product is supplied in a single‑dose vial containing a sterile suspension of recombinant antigens. Before administration, the vial is inspected for clarity, checked for expiration, and allowed to reach room temperature if stored refrigerated. The dose is drawn with a sterile syringe and needle, typically 0.5 mL for children aged 6 months to 5 years and 1 mL for those older than 5 years, according to the manufacturer’s labeling.
The injection is given into the deltoid muscle for children older than 2 years; for infants and toddlers, the anterolateral thigh is used. The skin site is cleaned with an alcohol swab, allowed to dry, and the needle is inserted at a 90‑degree angle. After delivering the vaccine, the needle is withdrawn, and gentle pressure is applied with a sterile gauze to control bleeding.
A primary series consists of three doses administered at 0, 1, and 6 months. A booster dose is recommended 12 months after the third dose for continued protection. Each visit includes a brief health assessment: measurement of temperature, review of recent illnesses, and confirmation that no contraindications exist (e.g., severe allergic reaction to a previous dose, immunosuppression, or acute febrile illness).
Following injection, the child is observed for at least 15 minutes to monitor for immediate adverse reactions such as local erythema, swelling, or systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, urticaria). Documentation records the vaccine name, batch number, expiration date, dose volume, injection site, and the administering clinician’s signature.
Proper storage requires maintaining the vaccine at 2‑8 °C, protecting it from light, and avoiding freeze‑thaw cycles. Any vial that has been frozen or exposed to temperatures above 8 °C for more than 2 hours must be discarded. Disposal follows standard sharps and biological waste protocols.
In summary, the pediatric tick vaccine is administered intramuscularly in age‑adjusted volumes, follows a three‑dose primary schedule with a booster, mandates pre‑injection checks, a brief post‑injection observation, and strict adherence to storage and documentation guidelines.