Tetraxim

Indications

This combined vaccine protects against four serious infections: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and poliomyelitis (polio). It is used for the primary vaccination of infants and as a booster dose in young children, according to the national immunisation schedule or the doctor's advice.

How It Works

The vaccine contains inactivated toxins from the diphtheria and tetanus bacteria (called toxoids), purified parts of the whooping cough bacterium (acellular pertussis) and killed polio viruses. None of these can cause the disease. They teach the immune system to make antibodies, so if the child is later exposed to the real infection, the body can fight it off quickly.

Dosage and Administration

The vaccine is given by a doctor or nurse as an injection into a muscle, usually the thigh in infants or the upper arm in older children. The number of doses and the timing follow the vaccination schedule set by the doctor or national programme, typically a primary series in infancy followed by a booster. Keep the child's vaccination card up to date.

Interactions

It can usually be given at the same visit as other routine childhood vaccines, using a different injection site. Children who take medicines that weaken the immune system (such as high-dose steroids or cancer treatment) may have a weaker response. Tell the health worker about any medicines or recent blood products.

Contraindications

• A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredient, including Neomycin, Streptomycin or Polymyxin B, which may be present in trace amounts.
• Encephalopathy (a serious brain illness) within 7 days of a previous pertussis-containing vaccine without another cause.
• Progressive or unstable brain or nerve disease, until the condition is assessed by a doctor.
• A high fever or acute illness: vaccination is usually delayed until the child is better.

Side Effects

Common reactions include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fever, irritability, crying, drowsiness, loss of appetite and vomiting. These usually settle within 1 to 3 days. Rarely, a high fever, persistent inconsolable crying for 3 hours or more, a febrile seizure, or a floppy, pale, unresponsive episode can occur. Severe allergic reactions are very rare.

Get urgent medical help if the child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a seizure, becomes limp or unresponsive, or has a fever above 40°C.

Pregnancy and Lactation

This vaccine is intended for infants and young children and is not normally given to adults, so pregnancy and breastfeeding advice does not usually apply. Pregnant women are offered separate vaccines for whooping cough protection as advised by their doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Tell the health worker if the child had a strong reaction to an earlier vaccine, has a bleeding disorder, or has a history of seizures.
• Premature babies may need monitoring of breathing after vaccination.
• The child should stay at the clinic for about 15 minutes after the injection.
• Paracetamol can be given for fever or pain if advised.

Overdose

Overdose is very unlikely because each dose is given by a health professional. Extra doses are not known to cause serious harm, but the health worker should be informed.

Therapeutic Class

Combined bacterial and viral vaccine (DTaP-IPV).

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze, and protect from light. It is stored by the clinic or hospital as directed on the pack; discard if it has been frozen.