What is Daptacel?
Daptacel, a combined vaccine, helps to prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, all serious diseases, are caused by bacteria. It causes a thick coating on the nose, throat, and airway.Breathing difficulties, paralysis, heart failure and even death may result from asthmatic attacks. Tetanus (lockjaw), a painful muscle tightening, usually occurs throughout the body. It can cause the victim's jaw to "lock" so that he cannot open his mouth or swallow. In about one out of every 10 cases, tetanus can lead to death. The coughing caused by pertussis can be so intense that infants find it difficult to breathe, eat, or drink. These episodes can last weeks. This can cause pneumonia, convulsions (convulsions), and brain damage. Diphtheria, pertussis, and other diseases are transmitted from person to person. Tetanus can enter the body via cuts or wounds. The vaccines help develop immunity by exposing the body to a tiny amount of bacteria. Daptacel (also known as DTaP or DTaP-acellular) pediatric vaccine is used to prevent these diseases among children aged 6 weeks to 6 months (before they reach their 7th birthday). Daptacel (DTaP), a vaccine, works by exposing your children to a small amount of bacteria or a protein derived from bacteria. This causes the body to develop immunity against the disease. Daptacel does not treat active infections that have already occurred in the body. Daptacel, like any vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease.
Warnings
If your child had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening after the first injection, then a booster Daptacel shot is not recommended. Keep a record of all side effects that your child experiences after receiving the Daptacel vaccination. You will need to inform the doctor of any side effects that occurred after the first booster shot. Diphtheria, Tetanus, or Pertussis is a much more dangerous disease than being vaccinated. Daptacel can have side effects, just like any other medicine. Daptacel is unlikely to cause a serious adverse effect. A child who had an encephalitis or brain or nervous system illness within seven days of receiving a Daptacel dose should not be given another dose.
Similar/related drugs
Azthromycin, Zithromax, Clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Adacel Tdap, and Boostrix (Tdap)
Before you take this drug
If your child has received a similar vaccination that resulted in any of the symptoms listed below, he or she may not be eligible to receive Daptacel.
- A life-threatening reaction to any diphtheria, pertussis, or tetanus vaccine;
- Fainting, shock, loss consciousness
- Seizures;
- Symptoms of brain or nervous system disorders (such as uncontrolled seizures or infantile spasms)
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- After receiving a tetanus- or diphtheria-containing vaccine, there may be severe swelling or pain.
Inform the vaccine provider if your child was born early or suffers from a seizure condition. You can still give your child a vaccination if they have a minor cold. Wait until your child is better if they have a severe illness, such as a fever or an infection. Daptacel is not recommended for children older than 7 years. There is another vaccine available for older children and adults.
How to take Daptacel?
Daptacel (DTaP), the vaccine, is administered as a shot (injection) into muscular tissue. This injection will be given in a doctor's or clinic setting. Daptacel (DTaP), a vaccine, is administered in a series. The first shot will usually be given to the child when they are 2 months old. The booster shots will be given at four months, six months, between 15 and 18 months, and then again between the ages of 4 and 6. It is important to time the injections of Daptacel for maximum effectiveness. The schedule for your child may differ from the guidelines. You can follow your doctor's advice or the schedule set by the state health department. Daptacel is not the only vaccine that your child can receive. When the shot is administered and for the following 24 hours, your doctor may prescribe an aspirin-free pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), to treat fever and pain. You should follow the directions on the medicine's label or those of your doctor about how much to give your child. Preventing fever in children with seizure disorders such as epilepsy is of particular importance.
Details on dosage
The usual pediatric dose of Daptacel to prevent diphtheria is:
From 6 weeks: 0.5 ml intramuscularly between 2 and 4 months, and then again at 15 to 20 months old and between 4 and 6 years old.
Comments:
The first dose can be given to infants as young as six weeks old.
The usual pediatric dose of Daptacel to prevent pertussis in children is:
From 6 weeks: 0.5mL intramuscularly between 2 and 4 months, and then again at 15 to 20 month old and at 6 to 6 year old.
Comments:
The first dose can be given to infants as young as six weeks old.
The usual pediatric dose of Daptacel to prevent Tetanus:
From 6 weeks up to 6 years old: 0.5 mL intramuscularly between 2 and 4 months, and then again at 15 to 20 months old and at 6 to 6 years old.
Comments:
The first dose can be given to infants as young as six weeks old.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss your booster dose or fall behind on the schedule, contact your vaccine provider. The next dose should be administered as soon as you can. There is no need to start again. If you do not give your child all the recommended doses, they may not receive full protection against disease.
What happens if I overdose?
Daptacel overdoses are rare.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Daptacel
If your child shows any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching, weakness, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, get emergency medical attention. If your child had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening after the initial shot, then a booster should not be given. Keep track of any side effects that your child experiences. Tell the vaccine provider if your child has received a booster shot and if there were any side effects from the previous dose. Daptacel is not as dangerous for your child's wellbeing as being infected by diphtheria or pertussis. Daptacel, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the chances of them being serious are low. If your child experiences any of the following side effects in less than 3 days after receiving a DTaP vaccination, call your doctor immediately.
- High fever (over 105 °F);
- If you are irritable, fussy, or cry for more than 3 hours, this is a sign of irritability.
- Extreme drowsiness, fainting;
- A seizure;
- The swelling is usually on the arm or leg.
After the fourth or fifth dose, some side effects may occur more frequently. If you have a fever or are experiencing pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used. You should follow the directions on the packaging or those of your vaccine provider. Preventing fever in children with seizure disorders such as epilepsy is of particular importance.
Daptacel is commonly associated with the following side effects:
- Mild fussiness or crying
- Fever;
- Redness, pain, or swelling where the injection was made
- Drowsiness, tiredness,
- Loss of appetite
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Interaction with other drug
Tell the vaccine provider all of your child's previous vaccinations before receiving Daptacel. Tell the vaccine provider if you have recently given your child any drugs or treatments that can weaken their immune system.
- Steroid medicine;
- If you have a condition such as psoriasis, arthritis, or another autoimmune disorder, then medications may be prescribed to treat it.
- Medicines to prevent or treat organ rejection
Your child may be unable to receive the vaccination if he or she is taking any of these medicines, or they may have to wait until their other treatments are complete. This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may interact with DTap. This list does not encompass all possible drug interactions.
