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Combined diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and

Combined diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio vaccine (DTaP-IPV) – Under 4 years of age

There is currently a rise in the number of whooping cough cases in Québec. The disease is most serious in babies under 1 year of age, who are at greater risk of hospitalization.

Vaccination during pregnancy and at 2, 4 and 12 months of age is the best way to protect toddlers against whooping cough. The last scheduled dose of vaccine is given at 4-6 years of age, and protection against infection lasts several years.

Vaccination is effective in protecting newborns and infants under 12 months of age.

Description

Vaccination is the best protection against these diseases and their complications:

The DTap-IPV vaccine is given to babies and children under 4 years of age who need protection against these 4 diseases.

For children over 4 years of age and adults, another combined diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio vaccine is available. To find out more about this other vaccine, go to the page Combined diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio vaccine (Tdap-IPV) – 4 years of age and older.

Symptoms

Some symptoms may be caused by the vaccine, e.g. redness at the injection site. Other problems may occur by chance and are not related to the vaccine, e.g. cold, gastro, headache.

DTaP-IPV vaccine is safe. Most reactions are harmless and do not last long.

The nature and frequency of possible reactions to vaccine
Frequency	Possible reaction to the vaccine
In most cases (more than 50% of people)	Pain at the injection site Agitation and unusual crying
Very often (less than 50% of people)	Redness and swelling at the injection site Fever, irritability, drowsiness (sleepiness), loss of appetite
Often (less than 10% of people)	Swelling affecting the entire member
Sometimes (less than 1% of people)	Small lump for a few weeks at the injection site
Rarely (less than 1 child in 1,000)	Convulsions, most commonly accompanied by fever Episodes similar to loss of consciousness (paleness, weakness, lack of reaction)
Very rarely (less than 1 person in 10,000)	Sterile abscess at the injection site Intense pain and weakness in the arm for several weeks

What to do after vaccination

Tips to follow immediately following vaccination

Wait 15 minutes before leaving premises where vaccine is received. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination.

If you feel side effects, immediately inform the person giving the vaccine. That person will be able to treat you immediately.

Tips to follow at home

If you experience redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold, damp compress on it.

Use medication for fever or discomfort if needed.

When to seek medical help

See a doctor if one of the following applies to you:

You experience serious and unusual symptoms
Your symptoms get worse instead of improving
Your symptoms last over 48 hours