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VACCINE INFORMATION
The DTaP vaccine is a "3-in-1" vaccine that protects against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. It can be given to children less than 7 years old. It is given by injection, usually into the arm or the thigh. DTaP is a new version of the vaccine which is less likely to cause reactions than the older DTP.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
DTaP vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and should begin during infancy. In most parts of the United States, DTaP immunization is required before starting school. A minimum of 3 injections should be given, and 5 injections is strongly recommended.

DTaP immunization is usually a series of injections given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-18 months, and 4-6 years. DTaP is recommended unless there is a reason that the child should not receive the pertussis vaccine (such as allergic reaction), in which case the DT should be given.

After the initial series of immunizations, a booster of Td vaccine should be given at age 11-12 years and every 10 years thereafter.

BENEFITS
Receiving a minimum of 3, preferably 5, DTaP vaccines prior to school entry will provide protection for up to 10 years with the following efficacy:

85% of those children immunized from getting diphtheria

70 to 90% of those children immunized from getting pertussis. (Even those who do contract the disease, despite being immunized, will have a milder course of illness.)

95% of those children immunized from getting tetanus

DTaP vaccine can be safely given to infants. As a general rule, drugs or vaccines are used very cautiously in pregnant women; however, a pregnant woman who needs the Td vaccine can safely receive it (if there have been no documented problems for the woman or the fetus).

RISKS
DTaP frequently causes mild side effects such as slight fever, mild crankiness, soreness at the injection site, vomiting and decreased appetite. They are self-limited and temporary, lasting only a few days.

Moderate to serious reactions are uncommon and include non-stop crying for greater than 3 hours (1 in 100 doses); fever over 105 degrees (30 in 10,000 doses); seizures (6 in 10,000 doses); and an episode of limpness, paleness, and decreased alertness (6 in 10,000 doses).

Severe reactions are very rare and include severe allergic reaction (breathing difficulties, shock) and possibly severe brain reaction. Although brain damage has been reported after DTaP injection, almost all cases reported were eventually attributed to other conditions that coincidentally manifested at that time.

The risk of febrile seizures is higher if the person has had previous seizures or if a family member has ever had seizures.

As with any medications or any vaccine, there is a chance of other serious complications including death. This is uncommon after DTaP immunization. For almost all people, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

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 ever had a convulsion (seizure), other brain disorder, or seems to be not developing normally, the DTaP is often delayed until it is clear that the condition is not worsening or that seizures are controlled.

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

POST IMMUNIZATION SYMPTOMS AND CARE
The provider that gives the DTaP immunization may recommend measures to reduce normal postimmunization symptoms. Acetaminophen (or ibuprofen) may be recommended to reduce fever and soreness. Some providers recommend a dose be given just prior to the injection to help avert common, minor side effects. Warmth (such as a warm, damp cloth or a heating pad) may reduce soreness. Frequently moving or using the arm or leg that has received the injection is recommended and often reduces the soreness.

CALL THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:

uncertain whether DTaP immunization should be given (see delay or contraindications). Often, a child that has problems with the DTaP vaccine can safely receive the DT vaccine.
complications or severe symptoms develop after DTaP immunization, including seizures, fever above 105 degrees F, difficulty breathing or other signs of allergy, shock or collapse, or uncontrolled crying that lasts for more than 3 hours at a time.
other symptoms develop after DTaP immunization.
there are other questions or concerns about DTaP immunization.

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