Indications
Bordetella pertussis vaccine protects against whooping cough (pertussis), a highly infectious bacterial chest infection that causes long bouts of coughing, a “whooping” sound when breathing in, vomiting and, in young babies, pauses in breathing that can be fatal. In Bangladesh it is usually given as part of a combination vaccine that also protects against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (the pentavalent vaccine).
How It Works
The vaccine contains killed whole pertussis bacteria or purified parts of them. These cannot cause the disease, but they teach the immune system to recognise the bacteria and make protective antibodies, so the body can fight off a real infection quickly.
Dosage and Administration
The vaccine is given by a trained health worker as an injection into the thigh muscle in babies. The number of doses and timing follow the national immunisation schedule; in Bangladesh the pentavalent vaccine is usually given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. Booster doses may be advised by the doctor. Keep the vaccination card and bring the child for every dose on time.
Interactions
It can be given on the same day as other routine childhood vaccines, at different injection sites. Medicines that weaken the immune system (such as high-dose steroids or cancer treatment) may reduce the response. Tell the health worker if the child is taking any medicine or has recently had blood products.
Contraindications
- A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any vaccine ingredient.
- Encephalopathy (a serious brain illness with coma, long seizures or reduced consciousness) within 7 days of a previous pertussis-containing dose.
- Vaccination is postponed during a high fever or acute serious illness; a mild cold is not a reason to delay.
Side Effects
Common reactions include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fever, irritability, crying, drowsiness and reduced appetite for 1 to 2 days. These usually settle on their own. Paracetamol may be used for fever as advised by a health worker.
Get urgent medical help if the child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a seizure (fit), high fever above 40°C, nonstop crying for 3 hours or more, unusual floppiness or paleness, or is hard to wake.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The combined infant vaccine is meant for children. Pregnant women may be offered a separate pertussis-containing booster to protect the newborn, as advised by a doctor. Breastfeeding mothers and breastfed babies can be vaccinated normally.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell the health worker if the child had a strong reaction to an earlier dose, has a seizure disorder or a progressive nerve or brain condition, a bleeding problem, or a weak immune system. Vaccination should be done where treatment for a rare allergic reaction is available, and the child should be watched for about 30 minutes afterwards.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely because each dose is measured and given by a health worker. If an extra dose is given by mistake, inform the doctor; it is not usually harmful.
Therapeutic Class
Bacterial vaccine (pertussis component of combination vaccines).
Storage
Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze; frozen vaccine must be discarded. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.