The Down's Syndrome Medical Interest Group
encouraging best-practice medical care for people with Down's Syndrome
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Medical Library

DOWN SYNDROME : IMMUNISATION

Key Points

This page is also available as a PDF.

(based on DSMIG clinical awareness note - J Dennis and D Elliman)

Note: This advice is based on the current (april 2006) immunisation schedule – it will be revised when the new UK schedule is introduced

  • Give all vaccines that are part of universal UK schedule:

    • DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
    • Polio
    • Hib  (Haemophilus influenzae Type b)
    • Meningococcal C
    • MMR  (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Strong case for following additional vaccines:

    • Influenza for all
    • Pneumococcal for all.
      Until formal schedule is agreed consider:
      • Babies
        - conjugate 7-valent vaccine at 2, 4 and 13 months followed by polysaccharide 21 valent vaccine post age 5

      • Older non-immunised under 5s
        – conjugate 7-valent vaccine followed by  21-valent polysaccharide post age 5

      • Non-immunised over 5s
        - give both

  • Possible case for the following:

    • Hepatitis B 
    • Need pre and post vaccine determination of immune status as per local schedules. Advice re timing and local schedules available from local paediatrician

      Consider pre-care immunisation for adults going into residential care – accelerated course. (1st 3 doses within one month)

    • BCG - probably no indication unless in high risk group.

There is increased possibility of non-response to immunisation and this should always be borne in mind.

Updated 2008

This page is also available as a PDF.