Moms and dads, we all know how important it is to vaccinate your little one on time. These vaccines, which are provided free of charge to children under the National Immunization Program in our country, protect them from a number of dangerous diseases. So, do you have any concerns or doubts about the vaccinations given to your child between the ages of 15-18 months? Today, let's talk about all about these important vaccines.
What is this DTaP-Hib vaccine?
Simply put, this is a combination of several vaccines given to the child at once. This single vaccine protects the child from four dangerous diseases. So instead of having to give the child multiple shots, this protection can be provided in one shot.
1. Diphtheria: This is an infection of the throat and sometimes the nose. It can cause serious conditions such as breathing difficulties, heart disease, and nerve damage.
2. Tetanus: This is a very painful disease that causes the muscles of the body, including the jaw, to tighten. It is usually caused by germs entering through wounds.
3. Pertussis: This is a severe, persistent cough. It is very dangerous for young children, as they can become suffocated.
4. Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b - Hib): This is an infection caused by bacteria. It can cause serious conditions such as meningitis, pneumonia, and blood poisoning.
So it's great that protection from all four of these diseases is provided by a single vaccine, right?
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before vaccinating your child, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below. This will help the doctor decide whether it is appropriate to give the vaccine or if it should be postponed.
| Situation to be reported | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| A severe allergy to a previous vaccine | If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous vaccination like this. |
| Diseases of the nervous system | If the child has a brain or nerve disease, such as seizures. |
| Guillain-Barre Syndrome | If you have had this condition before. |
| Immune system weaknesses | If the child's immunity is weakened due to a disease such as cancer or medication. |
| Anticoagulant | If you give your child blood thinners like warfarin or enoxaparin. |
| An existing fever or infection | If the child has an illness such as a fever or cold on the day of the vaccination. |
Side effects that can be expected after vaccination
As with any vaccine, there may be minor side effects after this one. Most of these are nothing to worry about. They are just a sign that the child's immune system is responding to the vaccine and learning to fight off the disease.
However, let's be aware of these two types of side effects.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Very high fever | If the fever is 39.4 degrees Celsius (103 Fahrenheit) or higher. |
| Crying that won't stop | If the child cries for hours on end, inconsolably. |
| Seizures | Symptoms include the child's body twitching and losing consciousness. |
| Severe swelling | If the arm or leg where the injection was given is completely swollen. |
| Unusual weakness | If the child appears unusually lifeless, unable to move. |
If you notice any of these serious symptoms, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or call your doctor.
Now let's look at some of the less serious side effects that are commonly seen.
| Common symptoms that you should tell your doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Pain at the injection site | The injection site may be red, slightly swollen, or feel like a small lump. This will subside in two to three days. |
| Slight fever | If the fever is less than 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit). |
| Irritability/anxiety | The child may be acting a little uncharacteristically, acting a little annoyingly. |
| Appetite | The child may be a little reluctant to eat/drink milk as usual. |
| Vomiting or diarrhea | Mild vomiting or diarrhea. |
| Fatigue | The child may feel a little tired and sleepy. |
These common side effects should subside within a day or two. If they persist, or if you have any concerns, call your doctor for advice.
Other medications that may interact with the vaccine
Some medicines can affect the way this vaccine works. So tell your doctor if your child is taking any other medicines, especially:
- Immunosuppressant medications (e.g. adalimumab, infliximab)
- Cancer treatments
- Steroids (e.g. prednisone, cortisone)
Take-Home Message
- This DTaP-Hib vaccine protects your child against four dangerous diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and Hib.
- Before administering the vaccine, tell your doctor about your child's health history, medications they are taking, and any allergies.
- Minor side effects, such as soreness at the injection site and a slight fever, are common. But be aware of things like severe allergic reactions, high fever, and seizures.
- It is very important to get your vaccinations on time. Never skip a vaccination.
- If you have any doubts or questions, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them.
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