A nurse is reviewing the CDC immunization recommendations with the guardians of preschoolers. Which vaccine should be included in this discussion?

A nurse is reviewing the CDC immunization recommendations with the guardians of preschoolers. Which vaccine should be included in this discussion?

• A. Haemophilus influenzae type B
• B. Varicella
• C. Polio
• D. Hepatitis A

Answer: (B)

Varicella vaccine is discussed for preschoolers because preventing chickenpox is a key part of routine early childhood immunizations, and this age group is at high risk for exposure in daycare and preschool settings. The CDC recommends a two-dose series, with the first given around 12–15 months and the second typically at 4–6 years. Ensuring that the second dose is up to date at preschool age provides stronger, longer-lasting protection and helps prevent outbreaks among young children. Discussing this vaccine emphasizes that completing the two-dose series reduces the chance of illness and its complications, and also lowers transmission to others, including those who cannot be vaccinated or may have weaker immune responses. The vaccine is generally well tolerated, with mild local reactions or fever being the most common side effects. Other vaccines listed are part of the preschool schedule as well, but varicella specifically highlights the need for completing the two-dose series by the preschool years to maintain protection in a group care setting.

Varicella vaccine is discussed for preschoolers because preventing chickenpox is a key part of routine early childhood immunizations, and this age group is at high risk for exposure in daycare and preschool settings. The CDC recommends a two-dose series, with the first given around 12–15 months and the second typically at 4–6 years. Ensuring that the second dose is up to date at preschool age provides stronger, longer-lasting protection and helps prevent outbreaks among young children.

Discussing this vaccine emphasizes that completing the two-dose series reduces the chance of illness and its complications, and also lowers transmission to others, including those who cannot be vaccinated or may have weaker immune responses. The vaccine is generally well tolerated, with mild local reactions or fever being the most common side effects.

Other vaccines listed are part of the preschool schedule as well, but varicella specifically highlights the need for completing the two-dose series by the preschool years to maintain protection in a group care setting.