The DTP shot is a combination vaccine that helps protect against developing diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. This vaccine is typically administered as five individual injections over four to six years, and begins when a patient is two months old. The DTP shot is no longer administered in the United States due to frequent adverse reactions to this immunization; instead, children receive a safer vaccine called DTaP, which elicits less severe side effects.
Injection Site Reaction
Patients who receive the DTP shot can develop an injection site reaction as a side effect. Approximately half of patients experience pain within the upper arm following DTP treatment, notes RxList. Additional injection site reaction characteristics can include swelling, redness, warmth or tenderness. Certain patients may begin to scratch at the injection site due to sensations of itchiness. A parent or caregiver may be able to feel a small lump or mass beneath the surface of the skin at the DTP shot site. These side effects of a DTP shot are typically mild and subside within a few days of treatment. Patients who experience severe or persistent skin reactions near the injection site should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Fever and Fatigue
A low-grade fever may arise in certain patients following receipt of a DTP shot. Fever side effects can also cause chills, headache or sweating in treated patients. An affected patient's skin can appear unusually flushed and may be moist or warm to the touch. These side effects of a DTP shot can contribute to increased fatigue or tiredness in patients. An infant or child may go to bed earlier or sleep for longer periods of time than usual for a few days after receiving this vaccine. Infrequently, certain patients may develop a fever that exceeds 105 degrees F, or can appear pale or limp, warns Drugs.com. Patients who develop these severe side effects of a DTP shot require prompt medical care.
Upset Stomach
Nausea or vomiting may occur as side effects in patients who receive a DTP shot. These side effects are typically temporary, but can contribute to a loss of appetite in treated patients, reports the Encyclopedia of Children's Health.
Fussiness or Irritability
Temporary fussiness or irritability can arise after an infant or child receives a DTP shot. Approximately one in every 100 patients becomes inconsolable and persistently cries for more than three hours, warns RxList. Patients who experience prolonged periods of crying following treatment with a DTP shot should be evaluated by a doctor.
Seizure
Rarely, patients who receive a DTP shot can experience seizure side effects, explains Drugs.com. A seizure occurs due to a temporary interruption of electrical signaling within the brain. Affected patients can lose consciousness; appear disoriented or confused; or exhibit involuntary muscle spasms. Seizure side effects should be discussed with a physician if they occur.
Member Comments
marymed June 15
the DTP vaccine has so many side effects but yet schools are making this mandatory for children to enter high school. the middle school students already got the woophing cough vaccine which is the same thing as the pertussis vaccine that they receive as children and now the DTP vaccine which also is for pertussis. This vaccine is unnecessary. How many vaccines do u need for pertussis?!?!? to much of something is never good especially when you don't need this vaccine to begin with.
marymed June 15
the DTP vaccine has so many side effects but yet schools are making this mandatory for children to enter high school. the middle school students already got the woophing cough vaccine which is the same thing as the pertussis vaccine that they receive as children and now the DTP vaccine which also is for pertussis. This vaccine is unnecessary. How many vaccines do u need for pertussis?!?!? to much of something is never good especially when you don't need this vaccine to begin with.