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Children's health
April 2007
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Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (whooping cough) (DTaP)
When should my child not get DTaP vaccine?

  • If your child has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of DTaP

  • If your child has had a brain or nervous system condition such as coma, decreased level of consciousness, or prolonged seizures within 7 days of a previous dose of DTaP

  • If your child is allergic to latex

When should my child wait to get DTaP vaccine? If your child is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled, he should usually wait until he is well before getting DTaP vaccine. Check with your child's doctor to see whether he should wait.

Tell your child's doctor if the child has any of the following conditions. The doctor may recommend that the child wait, not receive DTaP vaccine, or receive a vaccine that does not contain pertussis if he:

  • Had a seizure (with or without a fever) within three days after a dose of DTaP

  • Collapsed or was in shock, cried nonstop for three hours or more, or had a fever over 105°F within 48 hours after a dose of DTaP

  • Has had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS, a condition of paralysis and loss of reflexes)

  • Has a history of central nervous system (brain) disease or seizures

  • Has HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system

  • Is being treated with medications that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for two weeks or longer

  • Is receiving cancer treatment with X-rays or medications

  • Has a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia or low platelet count

  • Is receiving an anticoagulant (blood thinner) medication such as warfarin (Coumadin)

  • Has received an immune globulin

  • Has had a reaction to any vaccine

What are the side effects of DTaP vaccine and what should I do if they occur? Getting diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis disease is much riskier than getting DTaP vaccine. However, a vaccine, like any medication, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of DTaP vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Call your child's doctor if he has any unusual problems after receiving this vaccine.



Side Effects (Mild) What should I do?
Fever (occurs more often with repeat vaccinations) Give acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) as directed by your child’s doctor
Soreness, tenderness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given (occurs more often with repeat vaccinations) Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the sore area. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) for pain, as directed by your child’s doctor. Call the doctor if the symptoms get worse or do not go away
Swelling of the entire arm or leg in which the shot was given, lasting for 1-7 days (occurs more often after the 4th or 5th dose of DTaP than with the earlier doses) Call your child’s doctor if the swelling gets worse or does not go away
Fussiness or restlessness (1-3 days after the shot) Give acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Call your child’s doctor if these symptoms get worse or do not go away
Vomiting, poor appetite, or tiredness (1-3 days after the shot) Call your child’s doctor if these symptoms get worse or do not go away
Side Effects (Moderate or Severe) What should I do?
Nonstop crying for 3 hours or more Call your doctor right away
Serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; hoarseness or wheezing; hives; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, or feet; paleness; weakness; fast heartbeat; or dizziness within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot) Get emergency medical care for your child right away
High fever within 7 days after the shot Call your child’s doctor right away
Seizure (jerking, twitching, shaking, or staring) caused by fever within 7 days after the shot Get emergency medical care for your child right away