Vaccine contraindications and precautions — MCQs

A 28-year-old woman presents to her physician for follow-up. She was found to be HIV-positive 9 months ago. Currently she is on ART with lamivudine, tenofovir, and efavirenz. She has no complaints and only reports a history of mild respiratory infection since the last follow-up. She is also allergic to egg whites. Her vital signs are as follows: the blood pressure is 120/75 mm Hg, the heart rate is 73/min, the respiratory rate is 13/min, and the temperature is 36.7°C (98.0°F). She weighs 68 kg (150 lb), and there is no change in her weight since the last visit. On physical examination, she appears to be pale, her lymph nodes are not enlarged, her heart sounds are normal, and her lungs are clear to auscultation. Her total blood count shows the following findings: Erythrocytes 3.2 x 106/mm3 Hematocrit 36% Hgb 10 g/dL Total leukocyte count 3,900/mm3 Neutrophils 66% Lymphocytes 24% Eosinophils 3% Basophils 1% Monocytes 7% Platelet count 280,000/mm3 Her CD4+ cell count is 430 cells/µL. The patient tells you she would like to get an influenza vaccination as flu season is coming. Which of the following statements is true regarding influenza vaccination in this patient?

An 11-year-old boy is brought to his pediatrician by his parents for the routine Tdap immunization booster dose that is given during adolescence. Upon reviewing the patient’s medical records, the pediatrician notes that he was immunized according to CDC recommendations, with the exception that he received a catch-up Tdap immunization at the age of 8 years. When the pediatrician asks the boy’s parents about this delay, they inform the doctor that they immigrated to this country 3 years ago from Southeast Asia, where the child had not been immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Therefore, he received a catch-up series at 8 years of age, which included the first dose of the Tdap vaccine. Which of the following options should the pediatrician choose to continue the boy’s immunization schedule?

A 24-year-old woman with HIV infection comes to the physician for a follow-up examination. She has been inconsistently taking combined antiretroviral therapy for the past 5 years. She did not receive any childhood vaccinations because her parents were against them. During the consultation, the patient says that she wants to catch up on the missed vaccinations. Laboratory studies show a CD4+ T lymphocyte cell count of 180/mm3. Administration of the vaccine against which of the following agents should be avoided in this patient?

A 20-year-old primigravid woman comes to the physician in October for her first prenatal visit. She has delayed the visit because she wanted a “natural birth” but was recently convinced to get a checkup after feeling more tired than usual. She feels well. Menarche was at the age of 12 years and menses used to occur at regular 28-day intervals and last 3–7 days. The patient emigrated from Mexico 2 years ago. Her immunization records are unavailable. Pelvic examination shows a uterus consistent in size with a 28-week gestation. Laboratory studies show: Hemoglobin 12.4 g/dL Leukocyte count 8,000/mm3 Blood group B negative Serum Glucose 88 mg/dL Creatinine 1.1 mg/dL TSH 3.8 μU/mL Rapid plasma reagin negative HIV antibody negative Hepatitis B surface antigen negative Urinalysis shows no abnormalities. Urine culture is negative. Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing are negative. A Pap smear is normal. Administration of which of the following vaccines is most appropriate at this time?

A 6-year-old girl presents to the clinic for a general checkup before her last scheduled DTaP vaccination. Her mother is concerned about mild swelling and redness at the site of injection after her daughter’s previous DTaP administration. The patient has mild spastic cerebral palsy. She was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 5, and it is well-controlled with levetiracetam. She is allergic to penicillin. Currently, she complains of malaise and mild breathlessness. The mother noted that her daughter has been sluggish for the last 3 days. Her vital signs are as follows: the blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, the heart rate is 90/min, the respiratory rate is 22/min, and the temperature is 38.8°C (101.8°F). On physical examination, the patient has slightly enlarged submandibular lymph nodes bilaterally and oropharyngeal erythema. On auscultation, there are diminished vesicular breath sounds with a few respiratory crackles over the lower lobe of the left lung. Which of the following factors requires delaying the patient’s vaccination?

A young man about to leave for his freshman year of college visits his physician in order to ensure that his immunizations are up-to-date. Because he is living in a college dormitory, his physician gives him a vaccine that prevents meningococcal disease. What type of vaccine did this patient likely receive?

A 24-year-old newly immigrated mother arrives to the clinic to discuss breastfeeding options for her newborn child. Her medical history is unclear as she has recently arrived from Sub-Saharan Africa. You tell her that unfortunately she will not be able to breastfeed until further testing is performed. Which of the following infections is an absolute contraindication to breastfeeding?

A 12-month-old boy presents for a routine checkup. The patient immigrated from the Philippines with his parents a few months ago. No prior immunization records are available. The patient’s mother claims that he had a series of shots at 6 months of age which gave him a severe allergic reaction with swelling of the tongue and the face. She also remembers that he had the same reaction when she introduced solid foods to his diet, including carrots, eggs, and bananas. Which of the following vaccinations are not recommended for this patient?

A 4-month-old boy is brought to the physician by his parents for a well-child examination. He has cystic fibrosis diagnosed by newborn screening. His parents report frequent feedings and large-volume and greasy stools. His 4-year-old brother has autism. Current medications include bronchodilators, pancreatic enzyme supplements, and fat-soluble vitamins. He is at the 18th percentile for height and 15th percentile for weight. Scattered wheezes are heard throughout both lung fields. Examination shows a distended and tympanic abdomen with no tenderness or guarding. Which of the following is a contraindication for administering one or more routine vaccinations?

A 34-year-old man comes to the physician for a routine health maintenance examination. He was diagnosed with HIV 8 years ago. He is currently receiving triple antiretroviral therapy. He is sexually active and uses condoms consistently. He is planning a trip to Thailand with his partner to celebrate his 35th birthday in 6 weeks. His last tetanus and diphtheria booster was given 4 years ago. He received three vaccinations against hepatitis B 5 years ago. He had chickenpox as a child. Other immunization records are unknown. Vital signs are within normal limits. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities. Leukocyte count shows 8,700/mm3, and CD4+ T-lymphocyte count is 480 cells/mm3 (Normal ≥ 500); anti-HBs is 150 mIU/mL. Which of the following recommendations is most appropriate at this time?