Recording the child's immunization status
When you have checked the child's immunization status and given the correct dose of vaccines for the child's age you should use the case recording form (see Case Study 12.1). Put a check mark (✓) for the immunizations already given and circle the immunizations needed at the current visit. If the child needs to return for an immunization, write the date that the child should return in the classification column.
The case study below illustrates how you should record the immunization status in the correct section of the case recording form.
Case Study 12.1 Selam
Selam is four months old. She has no general danger signs. She is classified as having diarrhoea with no dehydration. Her immunization record (on the case recording form) shows that she has received BCG, OPV0, OPV1, OPV2, DPT1-HepB1-Hib1 and DPT2-HepB2-Hib2. You can see this below.
What advice would you give a mother about her child's immunization programme?
There are several things you could talk to the mother about, for example the correct age to bring her child for immunization, and that she should bring the child's immunization record card with her each time she comes to the health post. If you have given an OPV dose at a time the child has diarrhoea, you would also need to tell the mother that she must return for her child to receive another dose in four weeks. You should also tell her that it is important that the whole family is immunized.
Now that you have seen how to enter information about immunization on the child's record, you are going to learn about routine administration of vitamin A and deworming a child.