Pertussis is more commonly known by parents as whooping cough, an extremely contagious respiratory infection. Many children don't contract pertussis due to routine booster shots they receive at checkups. The pertussis vaccine is combined with vaccinations against diphtheria and tetanus in a shot called the DTaP. The pertussis vaccine is made up of an inactive virus, which is not live, but the vaccination itself can still render some uncomfortable yet temporary side effects.
Injection Site Irritation
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that irritation at the site of the injection is a common side effect of the pertussis vaccine, affecting as many as 25 percent of children. Irritation may include soreness in the arm or leg in which the shot is given, redness, minor swelling and itching. Some children may not experience injection site irritation after the first three boosters but are more likely to have discomfort after the later doses that are scheduled during preschool years.
Irritability
Irritability, crying and other mood changes may be side effects that accompany the DTaP shot. The CDC estimates that one-third of children vaccinated against pertussis are "fussy," while approximately 10 percent of vaccinated patients show symptoms of fatigue and loss of appetite. In rare cases, a child who has just had a pertussis shot cries for hours at a time.
Fever
Fever is a common side effect of the pertussis vaccine, affecting one-quarter of all vaccinated children. Parents can give their youngsters an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve a fever associated with routine vaccinations. The CDC says that a fever higher than 105 degrees F may be a rare side effect of the pertussis vaccine, affecting one of every 16,000 children.
Seizure
A very rare yet serious side effect associated with the pertussis shot is the occurrence of seizures. Seizures strike one child out of 14,000 who are immunized against pertussis, reports the CDC. This can lead to coma, brain damage and even death.
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