Challenges Encountered in the Emergency Department in the Unimmunized Pediatric Population

Purpose of ReviewThis review discusses unimmunized pediatric patients and the unique circumstances surrounding their evaluation and management in the emergency department in an era where many established guidelines are based on the assumption of a vaccinated patient.Recent FindingsWhile there have been increasing outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases, there have been no recent significant studies or recommendations made to alter the evaluation and management of an non-vaccinated pediatric patient.SummaryGiven increasing vaccine hesitancy, it is prudent to be vigilant during the evaluation of an unimmunized pediatric patient, taking into account the possibility of a vaccine preventable disease and subsequent sequelae in your evaluation and management decisions. The clinician must consider local vaccination rates, disease prevalence, and symptomatology when determining appropriate workup for the non-vaccinated or under-vaccinated child.