Search

How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler and a Spacer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:What is a metered-dose inhaler and a spacer?A
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common problem, usually caused by strains and spr
Osteoarthritis
What is osteoarthritis?Osteoarthritis is the most common form of art

Why get vaccinated?

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.

DIPHTHERIA causes a thick covering in the back of the throat.

• It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death

TETANUS (Lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body.

• It can lead to “locking” of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in up to 2 out of 10 cases

PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard for infants to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells can last for weeks.

• It can lead to pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring spells), brain damage, and death

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP) can help prevent these diseases. Most children who are vaccinated with DTaP will be protected throughout childhood. Many more children would get these diseases if we stopped vaccinating. DTaP is a safer version of an older vaccine called DTP.

Who should get DTaP vaccine and when?

Children should get 4 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages:

• 3 months

• 4 months

• 5 months

• 18-24 months DTaP may be given at the same time as other vaccines

Both the (4-in-1) DTaP-Hib and (5-in-1) DTaP-Polio-Hib vaccines contain the DTaP vaccine.For details, please consult your doctor.

DTaP-Hib vaccine is administered at the age 3, 4, 5 and 18 months.

DTaP-Polio-Hib vaccine is administered at the age of 2, 3, 4 and 18 months.

Some children should not get DTap vaccine or should wait

• Children with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. But children who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting DTaP vaccine

• Any child who had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTaP should not get another dose

• Any child who suffered a brain or nervous system disease within 7 days after a dose of DTaP should not get another dose

• Talk with your doctor if your child:

○ Had a seizure or collapsed after a dose ofDTaP

○ Cried non-stop for 3 hours or more after a dose of DTaP

○ Had a fever over 105°F after a dose of DTaP

Ask your doctor for more information. Some of these children should not get another dose of pertussis vaccine, but may get a vaccine without pertussis, calledDT.

Older children and adults

DTaP is not licensed for adolescents, adults, or children 7 years of age andolder. But older people still need protection. A vaccine called Tdap is similar to DTaP. A single dose of Tdap is recommended for people 11 through 64 years of age. Another vaccine, called Td, protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis. It is recommended every 10 years.

What are the risks from DTaP Vaccine?

Getting diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis disease is much riskier than getting DTaP vaccine. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of DTaP vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

After vaccination, please stay in clinic observation area for 30 minutes.

Mild problems(common)

• Fever (up to about 1 child in 4)

• Redness or swelling where the shot was given (up to about 1 child in 4)

• Soreness or tenderness where the shot was given (up to about 1 child in 4)

These problems occur more often after the 4^thand 5^thdoses of the DTaP series than after earlier doses. Sometimes the 4^thor 5^th dose of DTaP vaccine is followed by swelling of the entire arm or leg in whichthe shot was given, lasting 1–7 days (up to about 1 child in 30).

Moderate problems (uncommon)

• Seizure (jerking or staring) (about 1 child out of 14,000)

• Non-stop crying, for 3 hours or more (up to about 1 child out of 1,000)

• High fever, over 105°F (about 1 child out of 16,000)

Severe problems (very rare)

• Serious allergic reaction (less than 1 out of a million doses)

• Several other severe problems have been reported after DTaP vaccine. These include:

○ Long-term seizures, coma, or lowered consciousness

○ Permanent brain damage

These are so rare it is hard to tell if they are caused by the vaccine.

Controlling fever is especially important for children who have had seizures, for any reason. It is also important if another family member has had seizures. You can reduce fever and pain by giving your child an aspirin-free pain reliever when the shot is given, and for the next 24 hours, following the package instructions.

What if there is a serious reaction?

What should I look for?

Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, orbehavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can includehives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.

What should Ido?

If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other emergency that can't wait, call 120 or get the person to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your doctor.