The DTP vaccine, one of the routine childhood immunizations, protects against the diseases diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It is given to children in four doses between the ages of two months and four years plus a booster between four and six years of age. "DTP 4" refers to the fourth dose, which is typically given when a child is 15 to 18 months old.
Many parents are concerned about the safety of childhood immunizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccine safety is jointly monitored with the U. S. Food and Drug Administration to track reports of adverse effects. Scientists review all reports to determine if adverse effects are, in fact, caused by the vaccine. If adverse effects are determined to be harmful, the vaccine is adjusted to meet safety requirements.
Nonetheless, like all medications, vaccines carry a risk for side effects. DTP 4 has been found to cause slightly more side effects than the first three doses, so parents should be alert to signs of the most common reactions.
Mild Side Effects
About one out of three to four children have some mild reaction to the DTP vaccine, such as soreness at the injection site, redness, swelling or tenderness, as well as fussiness or tiredness and poor appetite. A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher may develop in one out of 20 children, while one in 30 children may experience swelling of the entire arm or leg, and one in 50 may have some vomiting after the vaccine.
Texas Children's Hospital recommends treating mild side effects by giving the child aspirin-free pain reliever at the time the shot is given, followed by doses according to package directions for the next 24 hours.
Moderate Side Effects
Moderate to serious reactions to the DTP vaccine are far less common than mild reactions. About one out of 1,000 children will experience an episode of non-stop crying for more than three hours, one in 14,000 children will develop seizures, and one in 16,000 will develop a fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Development of one of these adverse events is usually an indication against receiving further doses. According to the Immunization Action Coalition, however, there may be times when the benefit of receiving the DTP vaccine outweighs the potential risk, for example, in the midst of a community-wide outbreak of diphtheria.
Severe Side Effects
Severe reactions to the DTP vaccine are estimated to be fewer than one out of one million children, and include difficulties with breathing and going into shock. Such events are so rare, in fact, that their association with the vaccine has not been conclusively verified.
Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis occur every year and, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the risks associated with these diseases are far greater than those associated with DTP. Parents with questions about vaccine safety should discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider to make the right choice for their child.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccines & Immunizations
- Texas Children's Hospital: Vaccines by Disease: Learning More About the DTap and Tdap Vaccines
- Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia: DTaP Immunization
- Immunization Action Coalition: Vaccine Information for the Public and Health Professionals
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