• About the Diseases

Diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whopping 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 wound.

• About 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.

• The Vaccines

DIP vaccine presents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It has been used for many years in the United States.

DTaP prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It is less likely to cause the mild and moderate problems we see after DTP. Both DTP and DTaP are very effective for presenting al three diseases.

Unlike DTP and DTaP it does not prevent pertussis. For this reason, DtaP is generally recommended by CMP providers.

• Schedule

Most children should have a total of 5 DTP or DTaP vaccinations. They should get these vaccinations at:

• 2 months of age
• 4 months of age
• 6 months of age
• 12-18 months of age
• 4-6 years of age

Other vaccinations may be given at the same time as DTP or DTaP.

• Who should get DTP or DTaP vaccine?

Most doctors recommend that almost all young children get DTP or DTaP vaccine. Some children should get DT. With all vaccines there are some cautions. Tell you doctor or nurse if the child getting the vaccine:

• Ever had a serious allergic reaction or other problem after getting DTP, DTaP, or DT
• Now has a moderate or serious illness
• Has ever had a seizure
• Has a parent, brother, or sister, who had 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 is a very small risk that serious problems, even death, could occur after getting a vaccine. The risks from the vaccines 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 you child ever had one of the moderate of severe problems listed below or any other serious problems after DTP, DTaP, or DT, discuss it with your CMP Provider before this vaccination is administered.

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 shop was given
• Fever
• Fussiness, drowsiness, less appetite

These problems are much less likely to occur with DTaP than with DTP. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not 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.

Once for every 100-1000 doses of DTP (less after DTaP):

• On-going crying for 3 hours of more
• Fever of 105° or higher
• An unusual, high-pitched cry

Once for 1,750 doses of DTP (less after DTaP):

• A seizure (jerking and staring spell) usually cause by fever
• "Shock-collapse" (becomes pale, limp, and less alert)

These problems happen very rarely:

• Decreased consciousness, coma, or long seizure following DTP. Some of these children may have lasting brain damage. There is disagreement about whether or not DTP causes the lasting brain damage. If it does, it is very rare. The risk of decreased consciousness, coma, or long seizure after DTaP is not yet known, but experts believe it is even less likely to occur than after DTP.
• A serious allergic reaction.

• Call a your CMP office or get the patient to your CMP office right away
• Write down what happened and the date and time it happened
• Ask you CMP provider or the health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form, or you can call (800) 822-7967 (toll free)

If you want to learn more, ask your CMP Provider. He/she can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other source of information.

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).

**Information courtesy of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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