Baby's First Shots
I just entered the world and already got poked! HINT—this vaccine protects the liver.
I’m the age when we finally bring out the ‘big three’—MMR, Varicella, and Hep A.
What is 12-15 months?
I create a loud, harsh murmur at the left sternal border—and sometimes I close myself if I feel like it.
What is Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)?
I start with a fever, then a ‘slapped cheek’ rash appears—kids look like they just got embarrassed in public.
What is Fifth disease (Erythema infectiosum)?
I’m the rule you ALWAYS follow—gloves when needed, hand hygiene every time—because every patient is treated as potentially infectious.
What are standard precautions?
This 2-month lineup is basically a full house-- 6 vaccines, no breaks!
What are DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, Rotavirus, and Hep B?
Time for kindergarten shots! Think repeats of your childhood favorites- DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella.
What is 4-years old?
I sound like a machine and give you bounding pulses and a wide pulse pressure.
What is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?
I come with Koplik spots, fever, and rash, and require airborne precautions—super contagious!
What is Measles?
I spread through direct contact—think hand hygiene, gloves, and gown.
What are contact precautions?
I can be given starting at 6 months of age, and am needed every year!
What is the flu vaccine?
At this age, toddlers get boosters- DTaP, Hib, and finish Hep A like a boss.
What is 15-18 months?
My patients squat or go knee-to-chest when they can’t breathe during ‘Tet spells.
What is Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)?
I cause severe muscle spasms and lockjaw—and I’m preventable with vaccines.
What is Tetanus?
“I travel in droplets—so stay about 3 feet away and wear a mask!”
What are droplet precautions?
This oral vaccine is given to babies at 2-, 4-, and 6-months of age, and is used to prevent an infection causing severe diarrhea and vomiting.
What is the Rotavirus vaccine?
This is when we start protecting against cervical cancers and college dorm diseases, like meningitis.
What is 11 years old?
I cause higher blood pressure in the arms, lower in the legs, and weak femoral pulses—spot the difference!
What is Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)?
I cause a VERY itchy, blister-like rash in different stages—macules, papules, and vesicles all at once.
What is chickenpox (varicella)?
I float in the air and require an N95—plus a negative pressure room if possible.
What are airborne precautions?
After vaccines, I’m the go-to for treating fever—even in infants under 6 months.
What is acetaminophen?
You got your first dose in early adolescence, but I make a comeback at this age to keep teens protected—especially before college life kicks in!
What is 16 years old?
I turn babies blue at birth because the great arteries are switched—this is a surgical emergency
What is Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)?
I make cheeks puff up with painful swelling of the salivary glands—and I’m part of a famous 3-in-1 childhood vaccine
What is mumps?
This respiratory illness in infants often requires contact AND droplet precautions—and is a major cause of hospitalization.
What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)?