Vaccination

Administration of a vaccine to induce protective immunity

Definition

Vaccination is the intentional administration of a vaccine containing antigenic material to stimulate the immune system and produce active immunity against a specific pathogen.

Vaccine Types

Live-attenuated: MMR, varicella, rotavirus, BCG. CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy and severe immunocompromise.
Inactivated: Flu (shot), polio (IPV), rabies.
Subunit/toxoid: Hepatitis B, tetanus, pertussis.
mRNA: COVID-19.

Common Side Effects

Local: soreness, redness. Systemic: low-grade fever, fatigue. Anaphylaxis is rare but serious. Monitor for 15 minutes post-vaccination.

Nursing Responsibilities

Verify patient history, contraindications, allergies. Administer per CDC schedule. Document lot number, site, and reaction. Educate about side effects. Encourage vaccination, especially flu and COVID for high-risk patients.

NCLEX Relevance

Live vaccines contraindicated in pregnancy and immunocompromise.