The combination vaccine to fight tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis is called a TDAP shot. While this is given to children ages 6 weeks to 7 years old, people also can get booster shots to fight the three infections later. Boostrix is a brand name of the combination booster shot. It may be administered in a single dose of 0.5 milliliters to people ages 10 to 64, according to RxList.com.
Pain
The most common side effect from the Boostrix, according to RxList.com, is generalized pain. A little more than 75 percent of those participating in a study reported pain within 15 days of a Boostrix vaccination. About 28 percent reported pain at the injection site. The study was performed with more than 3,000 children, ages 10 to 18.
Serious Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, the serious side effects from Boostrix include crying spells that last for more than three hours and a collapse. Both of these should be reported to your physician immediately. According to Drugs.com, other serious side effects from Boostrix include continual diarrhea, fainting, nausea, swelling or pain in the joints, dizziness, chills, a severe fever and bodily weakness.
Temporary Side Effects
There also are several relatively common, temporary side effects that most likely won't require medical attention. These types of side effects should fade and disappear after a short time. If they do not, then call a doctor for help. The most common of these types of side effects include pain, tenderness, swelling or redness at the injection site; diarrhea; a lump in the skin at the injection site; or a fever of at least 99.5 degrees fahrenheit or 37.5 degrees celsius. If a lump develops, it might last several weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another less common side effect could be a fever that ranges from 102.2 degrees and 104 degrees fahrenheit or 39 degrees and 40 degrees celsius. The Mayo Clinic notes that any fever of 103 degrees fahrenheit or 39.4 degrees celsius or higher could be dangerous, especially for young children. So, even though this side effect might be temporary, if the fever reaches that level, call your doctor.
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