Indications
Pertussis vaccine protects against pertussis (whooping cough), a highly infectious bacterial infection of the airways that causes severe coughing fits and can be life threatening in young babies. It is usually given as part of combination vaccines that also protect against diphtheria and tetanus and, in some products, polio, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b. It is used for routine infant immunisation and for booster doses.
How It Works
The vaccine contains purified, inactivated parts of the Bordetella pertussis bacterium (acellular pertussis antigens) or, in older vaccines, whole killed bacteria. These cannot cause the disease. They train the immune system to make antibodies, so the body can fight the real infection quickly if it is exposed later.
Dosage and Administration
It is given as an injection into a muscle, usually the thigh in infants, by a doctor, nurse or trained vaccinator. The number of doses and their timing follow the national immunisation schedule or the schedule set by the doctor. Booster doses may be advised later in childhood.
Interactions
It can usually be given on the same day as other routine childhood vaccines, at a different injection site. People taking medicines that weaken the immune system, such as high dose Prednisolone or cancer treatment, may have a weaker response. Tell the vaccinator about blood thinners such as Warfarin because of the risk of bruising at the injection site.
Contraindications
- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any component of the vaccine.
- Encephalopathy (a serious brain illness) within 7 days of a previous pertussis containing vaccine, with no other cause found.
- A progressive or unstable neurological disorder, until it has been assessed and is stable.
Side Effects
Common: pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fever, irritability, crying, sleepiness and poor appetite for a day or two. Less common: persistent crying, high fever, large swelling of the injected limb. Rare: seizures with fever, a floppy and unresponsive episode, severe allergic reaction.
Get urgent medical help if there is difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a seizure, unusual floppiness or unresponsiveness, or crying that does not stop for more than 3 hours.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Some countries recommend a pertussis containing vaccine during pregnancy so that protection passes to the newborn baby. Vaccination while breastfeeding is considered safe. Follow your doctor’s advice.
Precautions and Warnings
Vaccination is usually delayed if the child has a high fever or a moderate to severe illness; a mild cold is not a reason to delay. Tell the vaccinator about any reaction to an earlier dose, seizures, bleeding disorders or immune problems. The vaccinated person should be watched for 15 to 30 minutes after the injection. Like all vaccines, it may not fully protect everyone.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely because the vaccine is given by health professionals in measured doses. If an extra dose is given by mistake, the doctor should be informed and any side effects treated as needed.
Therapeutic Class
Bacterial vaccine (pertussis, usually in combination vaccines)
Storage
Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze, and discard if it has been frozen. Protect from light. Usually kept by the clinic or pharmacy as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.