DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, AND PERTUSSIS VACCINE (DTaP)

What you need to know before your child gets the vaccine

ABOUT THE DISEASE

Diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) are serious diseases. Diphtheria and pertussis spread when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Tetanus is caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or a wound.

ABOUT THE VACCINES

Benefits of the vaccines

Vaccination is the best way to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Because most children get the vaccines, there are now many fewer cases of these diseases. There would be many more cases if we stopped vaccinating children.

DTaP schedule

Most children should have a total of 5 DTaP vaccines. They should have DTaP at:

* 2 months of age

* 4 months of age

* 6 months of age

* 12-18 months of age

* 4-6 years of age

Other vaccines may be given at the same time as DTaP.

Related vaccines

DT (Diphtheria Tetanus)

* Unlike DTaP, it does not prevent pertussis. For this reason, it is usually not recommended.

Who should get DTaP vaccine?

Most doctors recommend that almost all young children get DTaP or DTaP vaccine. Some children should get DT. With all vaccines, there are some cautions.

Tell your doctor or nurse if the child getting the vaccine:

* ever had a serious allergic reaction or other problem after getting DTaP, or DT

* now has moderate or severe illness

* has ever had a seizure

* has a parent, brother, or sister who has had seizures

* Has a brain problem that is getting worse

If you are not sure, ask your doctor or nurse.

What are the risks from these vaccines?

As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems, even death, could occur after getting a vaccine.

The risks from the vaccine are much smaller than the risks from the diseases if people stopped using vaccine.

Below is a list of problems that may occur after getting the vaccine. If your child ever had one of the moderate or severe problems listed below or any other serious problems after DTaP, or DT, discuss it with your doctor or nurse before this vaccination.

Mild problems

If these problems occur, they usually start within hours to a day or two after vaccination. They usually last up to 1-2 days:

* soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

* fever

* fussiness, drowsiness, less appetite

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (non-aspirin) may be used to prevent or reduce fever and soreness. This is especially important for children who have had seizures or have a parent, brother, or sister who has had seizures.

Moderate problems

Once for every 100-1,000 doses:

* on-going crying for 3 hours or more

* fever of 105.0 or higher

* an unusual, high-pitched cry

Once for every 1,750 doses:

* a seizure (jerking and staring spell) usually caused by fever

* "shock-collapse" (becomes pale, limp, and less alert)

Severe problems

These problems happen very rarely:

* serious allergic reaction after DT

* a long seizure

* decreased consciousness or coma.

Some of these children may have lasting brain damage. There is disagreement about whether or not DTaP causes the lasting brain damage. If it does, it is very rare.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS A SERIOUS REACTION:

* Call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away.

* Write down what happened and the date and time it happened.

* Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form or call: (800) 822-7967 (toll free)

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program gives compensation (payment) for persons thought to be injured by vaccines. For details call: (800) 338-2382 (toll free)

If you want to learn more, ask your doctor or nurse. She/he can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.