What is Diphtheria, tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine?
Diphtheria and pertussis can be serious diseases that are caused by bacteria. The disease can cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or even death. Tetanus causes a painful tightening in the muscles, which can cause the jaw to "lock" so that the victim is unable to open their mouth, breathe, or swallow. Tetanus is fatal. The coughing fits that accompany pertussis can be severe and long-lasting. They may interfere with breathing, eating, or drinking. Pertussis may cause pneumonia or seizures, as well as brain damage and death. Diphtheria, pertussis, and other diseases are transmitted from person to person. Tetanus can enter the body via a wound or cut. This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease but will not treat an already active data-type="auto" This vaccine will help your body build immunity against the disease, but it won't treat an infection that is already active. DTap is recommended for children aged between 6 weeks and 6 years (before they reach their seventh birthday). The DTaP vaccine is not a guarantee of protection against disease.
Side effects of Diphtheria, tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine
If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. If your child had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening after the initial shot, then he or she should not get a booster. Keep a record 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. Infecting your child with diphtheria or pertussis is more harmful than this vaccine. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are low. If your child experiences any of the following side effects in less than 2 days after receiving a DTaP vaccination, call their 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.
- Fainting and losing consciousness after going into shock
- A seizure (within 3 days);
- The swelling is usually on the arm or leg.
After the fourth or fifth dose, some side effects may occur more frequently. Follow the instructions on the label or from the vaccine provider. Preventing fever in children with seizure disorders such as epilepsy is of particular importance.
Side effects that are common include:
- Pain, swelling, or redness where the injection is given;
- Fever;
- Drowsiness, tiredness;
- Loss of appetite
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your child's physician. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Warnings
The vaccine is not as effective as the diphtheria, pertussis, or tetanus vaccines.
Before you take this drug
If your child has received a vaccine similar to this one that caused the following symptoms, they may not be eligible for this vaccine:
- A life-threatening reaction to any diphtheria, pertussis, or tetanus vaccine;
- Fainting, shock, loss of consciousness
- Seizures;
- Symptoms of brain or nervous system disorders (such as infantile seizures or uncontrolled epilepsy);
- 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 is premature or has seizures. 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. This vaccine is not recommended for children older than 7 years. There is another vaccine available for older children and adults.
How to take Diphtheria, tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine?
This vaccine is administered as a shot (injection) into the muscle. The vaccine is administered in a series, usually at 2, 4, and six months of age. Two booster shots are then given between 15 and 20 months of age and once again from 4 to 6 years of age. It is important to time this vaccination correctly for maximum effectiveness. The schedule for your child may differ from the guidelines. You can follow the instructions of your child's doctor or the schedule suggested by your local health department. You may also give your child other vaccines.
Details on dosage
The usual pediatric dose for diphtheria prophylaxis is:
From 6 weeks: 0.5 mL intramuscularly between 2 and 4 months, and then again at 15 to 20 months old and 4 to 6 years old.
Comments:
The first dose can be given to infants as young as six weeks old.
The usual pediatric dose for pertussis prophylaxis
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 for tetanus prophylaxis is:
From 6 weeks: 0.5 mL intramuscularly between 2 and 4 months, and then between 15 and 20 months 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 are behind on a booster or have missed a dose, contact your child's 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 be protected from disease.
What happens if I overdose?
It is unlikely that taking this vaccine could result in an accidental overdose.
What should be avoided?
If there are any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow the instructions of your vaccination provider.
Interaction with other drug
Tell the vaccine provider all of your child's previous vaccinations before receiving this vaccine.
Tell the vaccine provider if your child has received any recent drugs or treatments that can weaken their immune system.
- Steroid medicine;
- Cancer treatments
- Medicine to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Medicines to treat or prevent transplant rejection
Your child may be unable to receive a vaccine 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. This vaccine may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.This list does not encompass all possible interactions among drugs.
