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TDP Vaccine Side Effects

The TDP vaccine is a combination vaccine offering protection from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Tetanus (lockjaw) causes death in 30 percent to 40 percent of cases. It also causes seizures and severe muscle spasms that are so strong that they can fracture spinal bones. Diphtheria can cause breathing problems, heart problems, nerve damage, pneumonia and possibly death. Pertussis (whooping cough) can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, difficulty breathing and death.

  1. Significance

    • Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis are potentially life-threatening diseases. Side effects from the DTP vaccine are usually mild. In rare cases, they can be serious. When you and your doctor decide whether to give your child the vaccine, the Mayo Clinic recommends weighing the chance of these side effects against the serious consequences of the diseases.

    Administration

    • Two brand-name vaccines, Boostrix and Adacel, should not be given to children under 10. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that teenagers receive the TDP vaccine instead of the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine. Those who received that vaccine in the past should still get the TDP booster to protect against pertussis.

      For infants, the suggested administration schedule is at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 or 20 months. The child should get a booster at age 4 to 6 before beginning kindergarten or school.

    Mild Side Effects

    • Most side effects of the vaccine are mild, with redness, warmth, swelling and pain at the injection site being the most common. They usually appear three days after injection. In infants, mild fever, vomiting, runny nose, diarrhea and loss of appetite may last up to one week. If the side effects last longer or become bothersome, notify your doctor.

    Alerts

    • The Mayo Clinic recommends calling your doctor immediately if any of the following develop: high fever; persistent, inconsolable crying beginning within 48 hours of injection and lasting more than three hours; seizure; or collapse. The vaccine should not be used in patients with a known history of bleeding disorders such as hemophilia (free bleeding). Your doctor may evaluate whether the vaccine should be given in those with weakened immune systems or nervous system disorders. Those allergic to latex should not receive the vaccine.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Contact your doctor immediately if any serious side effects occur. While rare, they may require medical attention. Watch for hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, low blood pressure, shock-like state, facial swelling, sudden and severe weakness, seizures, and itching in the feet and hands. Other conditions to be aware of include fruit-like breath odor, fast heartbeat, chest pain, blurred vision, bloody urine, black tarry stools, stiff neck, loss of consciousness and unexplained weight loss.

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