Paediatrics

Question 1

What is the vaccine for rotavirus?

Answer 1

Rotarix®

Rotarix is administered at 6 weeks and 3 months.

Question 2

What does DTaP-IPV-HepB/Hib stand for?

Answer 2

Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b

Infanrix-hexa is the vaccine used for this combination.

Question 3

At what age is Prevenar 13® administered?

Answer 3

2 months, 4 months, and 12 months

prevents pneumococcus bacterial infections

An additional dose is given at 3 months for children with eligible medical conditions.

Question 4

What vaccine is given for meningococcal B?

Answer 4

Bexsero®

Bexsero is administered at 3 months and 5 months.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Boostrix® vaccine?

Answer 5

It is for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis

Boostrix is given from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and at school year 8 (12 years).

Question 6

What is the eligibility age for seasonal influenza vaccines?

Answer 6

From 6 months of age

Eligibility criteria and vaccine brands can be found at immune.org.nz.

Question 7

At what age is the HPV vaccine Gardasil® 9 administered?

Answer 7

School year 8 (12 years)

It is given in two doses.

Question 8

True or False: Zoster (shingles) vaccine is given to individuals 65 years and older.

Answer 8

True

The zoster vaccine is Shingrix® and is given in two doses.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella is _______.

Answer 9

Priorix®

Question 10

What vaccines are funded for adolescents and young people entering specified close-living situations?

Answer 10

Meningococcal vaccines

This applies to those aged 13–25 years.

Question 11

What vaccines are recommended for individuals with immunodeficiency?

Answer 11

Hib, influenza, meningococcal, pneumococcal, and zoster vaccines

Both primary and secondary immunodeficiency are included.

Question 12

What vaccine is given following a needle stick injury?

Answer 12

Hepatitis B vaccine

This is crucial for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Question 13

What additional vaccines are recommended for individuals with kidney disease?

Answer 13

Hepatitis B, Hib, influenza, pneumococcal, Tdap, varicella, and zoster vaccines

Specific vaccines depend on the patient’s health status.

Question 14

What is the vaccination protocol for infants born to hepatitis B positive mothers?

Answer 14

Hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) at birth

This is critical for preventing transmission.

Question 15

What is the vaccine for tuberculosis?

Answer 15

BCG vaccine

It is recommended for infants and children under 5 years at risk of TB exposure.

Question 16

What is the vaccine for varicella (chickenpox)?

Answer 16

Varivax® or Varilrix®

This vaccine is also known as VV.

Question 17

What is Pertussis (whooping cough)?

Answer 17

A bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, an exotoxin-producing gram-negative bacillus.

Pertussis is known for its highly transmissible nature and can lead to severe complications, especially in infants.

Question 18

How is Pertussis transmitted?

Answer 18

By aerosolised droplets.

The incubation period for Pertussis is 7–10 days (range 5–21 days).

Question 19

What is the expected number of secondary cases from one case of Pertussis in a non-immune population?

Answer 19

Approximately 5–17 secondary cases.

This reflects the high transmissibility of Pertussis compared to other respiratory pathogens.

Question 20

What percentage of school-aged children, adolescents, and adults with a persistent cough have evidence of recent B. pertussis infection?

Answer 20

Between 12 and 37 percent.

Studies conducted in various countries during different periods have shown these rates.

Question 21

What are common complications of Pertussis?

Answer 21

Secondary infections, such as:
* Otitis media
* Pneumonia
* Physical sequelae of paroxysmal coughing
* Vomiting leading to weight loss

Severe complications are particularly concerning in infants.

Question 22

What was the status of the Pertussis epidemic as of November 2024?

Answer 22

1232 cases notified since onset of the epidemic, with 101 hospitalised, and 3 infant deaths reported in 2023.

The epidemic was declared by the Ministry of Health.

Question 23

How is Measles transmitted?

Answer 23

By airborne spread and direct contact with infectious droplets.

Measles is one of the most highly communicable infectious diseases.

Question 24

What is the approximate basic reproductive number for Measles in high-income countries?

Answer 24

12–18.

This reflects its high communicability.

Question 25

What are common complications of Measles?

Answer 25

Complications include: * Otitis media * Pneumonia * Croup * Diarrhoea * Encephalitis ## Footnote Encephalitis occurs in 1 in every 1,000 cases, with significant mortality and morbidity.

Question 26

What is the case-fatality rate for Measles in the US?

Answer 26

1–3 per 1,000. ## Footnote Pneumonia is responsible for about 60 percent of deaths.

Question 27

What are the implications of Measles infection on immunity?

Answer 27

It causes acute immune suppression, leading to depletion of immunological memory and increased risk of further infections. ## Footnote Long-term effects on immune memory have been observed.

Question 28

What is Rheumatic fever?

Answer 28

A serious but preventable illness that mainly affects Māori and Pacific children and young people. ## Footnote It starts with a sore throat known as 'strep throat' caused by Group A Streptococcus.

Question 29

What can untreated strep throat lead to?

Answer 29

Rheumatic fever. ## Footnote The risk is higher for at-risk children and young people, especially in specific regions.

Question 30

What is Rheumatic heart disease?

Answer 30

A condition that can develop from rheumatic fever, causing scarring of the heart valves and serious heart problems. ## Footnote It may require heart surgery.

Question 31

What is the incidence rate of rheumatic fever in Northland, NZ?

Answer 31

6.7 cases per 100,000 people. ## Footnote This is the highest rate in the country.

Question 32

What is a significant risk factor for developing rheumatic fever?

Answer 32

Repeated untreated strep throat infections. ## Footnote All sore throats in at-risk populations should be checked.

Question 33

What are the consequences of rheumatic fever?

Answer 33

Inflammation of the heart, joints, brain, and skin. ## Footnote Symptoms may disappear, but inflammation can lead to serious complications.

Question 34

What are the vaccination rates for Measles in NZ as of 2023?

Answer 34

First dose: 89%, Second dose MMR: 84%. ## Footnote Vaccination rates have been declining.

Question 35

What was the last significant Measles outbreak in NZ?

Answer 35

2019/200, with catastrophic effects in Samoa. ## Footnote This highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates.

Question 36

What is the vision of the Child and Youth Strategy?

Answer 36

New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people.

Question 37

What does achieving the vision of the Child and Youth Strategy entail?

Answer 37

Taking action to improve the lives of children and young people in New Zealand.

Question 38

What is one key goal associated with the Child and Youth Strategy?

Answer 38

Reducing levels of child material hardship.

Question 39

Which act is consistent with the goal of reducing child material hardship?

Answer 39

The Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018.