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Incidence and type of reactions to triple antigen (DTP) and DT (CDT) vaccines
Insights
Infants receiving the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine experienced more local and general reactions than those given the DT vaccine. Common reactions included irritability and fever, with rare instances of convulsions after DTP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Vaccinology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- The DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine is a cornerstone of infant immunization.
- Understanding the safety profile and potential adverse reactions is crucial for healthcare providers and parents.
- Comparative analysis of DTP versus DT (diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine reactions provides valuable safety insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare the incidence and types of local and general reactions following DTP immunization versus DT immunization in infants.
- To identify specific adverse events associated with each vaccine formulation.
- To assess the safety profile of DTP vaccine in a large infant cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 7712 DTP immunisations and 335 DT immunisations.
- Systematic recording and comparison of local and general reaction rates.
- Documentation of specific adverse events including irritability, fever, persistent screaming, pallor, hyporesponsiveness, and convulsions.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher rates of local reactions (47.8% vs 33.7%) and general reactions (38.4% vs 10.1%) were observed in infants receiving DTP compared to DT vaccine.
- Irritability and fever were the most frequent general reactions for both vaccines.
- Persistent screaming (7.4% vs 1.5%) and pallor/hyporesponsiveness (1% vs 0.3%) were more common after DTP. Two cases of convulsions and one of twitching were reported post-DTP, with no lasting sequelae.
Conclusions:
- The DTP vaccine is associated with a higher incidence of local and general adverse reactions compared to the DT vaccine in infants.
- While reactions like irritability and fever are common, severe events such as convulsions are rare and appear to have no persistent sequelae.
- Findings support the established safety profile of DTP vaccine, while highlighting the need for parental education on potential transient reactions.
Abstract:
Local and general reactions were significantly more common in infants given DTP (triple antigen) vaccine than in those given DT (diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine. In 7712 DTP immunisations and 335 DT immunisations studied prospectively, local reaction rates were 47.8% and 33.7%, and general reaction rates were 38.4% and 10.1% respectively. The most commonly reported general reactions after both vaccines were irritability and fever. Persistent screaming was reported in 7.4% and 1.5% of vaccinees, and pallor or hyporesponsiveness in 1% and 0.3% respectively. Two infants developed convulsions and one suffered attacks of twitching after DTP immunisation. No persisting sequelae were detected.