Vaccines and immunoglobulins
(Redirected from MMR)
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | COVID-19, Tdap, MMR, HPV, RSV, RhoGAM, IVIG |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Active immunization (vaccines) and passive immunization (immunoglobulins) |
| Pharmacologic class | Live attenuated and inactivated vaccines; immune globulins |
| Onset / peak / duration | Vaccine immunity develops over weeks; immunoglobulin protection is immediate but short-lived. |
| Half-life / level | Not applicable. |
| Routes | IV, IM, SubQ |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | Epinephrine and supportive care for anaphylaxis. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Inactivated vaccines (flu, Tdap) recommended in pregnancy; live vaccines avoided. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Vaccines and immunoglobulins (brand names COVID-19, Tdap, MMR, HPV, RSV, RhoGAM, IVIG) — Active immunization (vaccines) and passive immunization (immunoglobulins); Live attenuated and inactivated vaccines; immune globulins.
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Active immunization (vaccines) and passive immunization (immunoglobulins).
- Pharmacologic class: Live attenuated and inactivated vaccines; immune globulins.
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Vaccines stimulate the immune system to build protective antibodies (active immunity); immunoglobulins provide ready-made antibodies (passive, immediate but temporary immunity).
- Onset / peak / duration: Vaccine immunity develops over weeks; immunoglobulin protection is immediate but short-lived.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Not applicable.
Clinical use
- Indications: Prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases; Rho(D) immune globulin prevents Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers; IVIG for immune deficiencies and certain autoimmune conditions; tetanus immune globulin for high-risk wounds.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: Most vaccines IM or SubQ; RhoGAM IM (around 28 weeks and after delivery of an Rh-positive infant, and after any sensitizing event); IVIG IV.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Follow the immunization schedule; spacing rules for live vaccines.
Safety
- Contraindications: Live vaccines (MMR, varicella, intranasal flu) in pregnancy and significant immunocompromise; severe allergy to a vaccine component.
- Black box warning: None typical.
- Interactions: Immunosuppressants and recent immunoglobulin or blood products can blunt live vaccine response (spacing required).
- Pregnancy / lactation: Inactivated vaccines (flu, Tdap) recommended in pregnancy; live vaccines avoided.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Injection-site soreness, low-grade fever, fatigue, mild aches.
- Serious effects to report: Anaphylaxis (rare), high fever, severe local reaction.
- Antidote / reversal: Epinephrine and supportive care for anaphylaxis.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Immunization history, allergies, pregnancy and immune status (live vaccines), Rh status (RhoGAM), informed consent and the vaccine information statement.
- Interventions during therapy: Verify the correct vaccine, route, and site; observe after administration for reactions; have epinephrine available; document on the immunization record.
- Monitor: Local and systemic reactions; observe for anaphylaxis after administration.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Protective immunity or prevention of sensitization.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Mild soreness and low fever are common; report severe reactions; keep the immunization record updated.
- Notify provider if: Difficulty breathing, hives, high fever, severe swelling.
- Administration tips: Correct route and site; live vaccines avoided in pregnancy and immunocompromise; RhoGAM for Rh-negative mothers.