Benefits and Reactions
from Immunization of Children

Immunization can prevent crippling or fatal diseases. Outlined below are the dangers of these diseases and the benefits and side effects of immunization.

Diseases

DIPHTHERIA

• Occurs primarily in children
• Attacks the throat and nasal passages
• Interferes with breathing
• Produces toxin that damages heart, kidneys and nerves
• 10% of cases are fatal

TETANUS (Lock Jaw)

• Caused by bacteria getting into wounds
• Causes painful muscle contraction, convulsions
• 50% of cases are fatal

PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough)

• Most severe in infants less than 1 year old
• Causes severe coughing spells often followed by vomiting
• Often causes pneumonia, convulsions
• Very contagious
• Causes serious brain disorder in about 1 of every 1,000 patients and permanent brain damage in 1 of every 10,000 patients
• More than 3,000 cases each year and 10 deaths per year in USA

Vaccines

DIPHTHERIA-TETANUS TOXOIDS (DT, Td)

• Almost all persons will be protected after completing a primary series and a booster
• Common reactions include a sore lump at injection site and occasionally fever, 12 to 24 hours after vaccination
• More severe reactions are very rare

DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS, PERTUSSIS VACCINE (DTP)*

• Given to children under age 7 years
• Most children will be protected after completing a primary series and booster
• Common reactions include a sore lump at injection site, fever 12 to 24 hours after vaccination
• Causes a fever over 102° F in 5% of children vaccinated
• 1 in 1750 children vaccinated may have convulsion or shock-like episode (limpness and paleness)
• Rarely, inflammation of brain may occur: 1 in 110,000 doses. Very rarely may cause more serious permanent brain disorder: 1 in 310,000 doses.

*Should not be given to those who have has a serious reaction to DTP shots before - such as, high fever (105° F) or convulsion. Ordinarily not given to children who have ever had a convulsion (seizure).

DTP REACTIONS

DTP Vaccine is given to protect against Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Tetanus (Lock Jaw). A series of injections is needed for protection.

FEVER: About half of all children who receive DTP Vaccines will have a fever of 100-102 degrees in the first 48 hours after receiving DTP Vaccine. Some children will have a higher fever. The fever should go down within 24-48 hours. You may give Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Liquiprin, Tempura, other brands) if your child is uncomfortable with fever. The dose for your child is 65mg per year of age up to 10 years.

SORENESS: Most children will have some soreness where the infection was given. Some may have a lot of swelling and redness and even refuse to use the arm or leg in which the vaccine was given for a day or two. Acetaminophen in the same dose as for fever may make your child feel better. A cool or warm wash cloth on the sore area may help. The soreness, swelling and redness should go away within a few days. Often a firm lump can still be felt where the injection was given for a week or more.

OTHER REACTIONS: Rarely children have more severe reactions. If your child's reaction seems more severe, if your child cannot be comforted, if your child has a convulsion, fever over 103° or if you have any concerns about your child's reaction, please consult your physician.

Taken from The Children's Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center

Relative Risk: The DTP Vaccine in Perspective

Risk of dying from:

Risk of dying after contracting pertussis:

Risk from full series of pertussis immunizations:

Source: The Journal of Respiratory Diseases, Dec. 1984

Newborns
Schedule