Medical Health Encyclopedia

Allergic Reactions. In rare cases, people may be allergic to the DTP vaccine. Parents should tell their doctor if their children have any allergies. The DTaP vaccine may pose a slightly higher risk for an allergic reaction than the DTP. Children who have severe responses should not be given further vaccinations. A rash that occurs after a dose of DTP is of little consequence. In fact, it does not usually indicate an allergic response but only a temporary immune reaction and does not usually recur with subsequent shots. It should be noted that no deaths have been reported from allergic reactions, even severe (anaphylactic) ones, to the DTP vaccine.

Pain and Swelling at the Injection Site. Children may feel pain at the injection site. In some cases, a small lump may persist at the site for several weeks. Placing a clean, cool washcloth over any swollen, hot, or red area can help. Children should not be covered or wrapped tightly in clothes or blankets.

The risk for swelling, including of the whole arm or leg, increases with subsequent injections, particularly the fourth and fifth doses. If possible, parents should request that their children receive the same vaccine brand each time to help reduce the risk of side effects.

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Fever and Other Symptoms. A child may develop a mild fever, irritability, drowsiness, and loss of appetite after a shot.

The following remedies may be helpful:

• Acetaminophen (for example, Children''s Tylenol) and a sponge bath in lukewarm, not cold, water may help relieve fever and pain.
• The doctor may suggest that children who have had previous high fevers or other reactions to the shot be given acetaminophen at the time of the vaccination and every four hours afterward for 24 hours. (The doctor will determine the dosage according to the weight of the child.)
• Children should never be given aspirin.