Pertussis - vaccine

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Immunizations

DTaP vaccine can be safely given to infants.

RISKS

DTaP may cause mild side effects (slight fever, crankiness, tenderness of the injection site for a few days, decreased appetite, vomiting).

DTaP causes moderate complications in less than 1% of injections. These complications include:

• High fever greater than 105 degrees F (1 in 16,000 children)
• Non-stop crying for more than 3 hours (1 in 1,000 children)
• Seizure (1 in 14,000 children)

DTaP may cause severe complications in very rare instances:

• Severe allergic reaction (less than 1 per million children)
• Prolonged seizure/brain damage (so rare that the association with the vaccine is questionable)

DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE (CONTRAINDICATIONS)

• If the child is sick with something more serious than a mild cold, DTaP may be delayed until the child is better.
• If the child has had any of the following after an earlier DTaP, consult with the health care provider before the child receives another injection of the vaccine:
  • seizures within 3 to 7 days after injection
  • any serious brain problem within 7 days after injection
  • worsening of seizures or other brain problem (at any time)
  • mouth, throat, or face swelling (serious allergy) within a few hours after injection
  • difficulty breathing (serious allergy) within a few hours after injection
  • temperature of 105 degrees F or higher within 2 days after injection
  • shock or collapse within 2 days after injection
  • persistent, uncontrolled crying that lasts for more than 3 hours at a time within 2 days after injection

If you are not sure whether a pertussis-containing immunization should be given, contact your health care provider. (Often, a child that has problems with the DTaP vaccine can safely receive the DT vaccine, which does not contain pertussis vaccine.)

POSTIMMUNIZATION SYMPTOMS AND CARE

Acetaminophen may be recommended to reduce fever and soreness. Some health care providers recommend that a dose be given just prior to the injection to help prevent common, minor side effects.

A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad may reduce soreness.