Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine helps protect individuals against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis infections.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the airways, causing swelling and leading to serious breathing problems. It may also affect the skin, causing sores and skin covered by grey tissue.
Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness, particularly of the neck and jaw. The bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, usually cuts, scratches, or wounds.
Pertussis or whooping cough is a very contagious bacterial infection that affects the airways causing severe coughing (often characterised by a "whooping" sound).
This medicine helps the body make antibodies (substances in the body that help fight infection) to protect individuals against these infections.
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle), usually into the muscles of the thigh or upper arm.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you or your child.
The total number of injections that you or your child will receive will be decided by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you or your child does not miss any doses.
If you or your child misses an appointment or an injection, alert the doctor or nurse.
Do not use Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine if you or your child had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you or your child has the following conditions:
- history of brain disease or condition from an unknown cause occurring within 7 days of previous vaccination with a pertussis-containing vaccine
- uncontrolled condition or severe illness that affects the brain and nervous system e.g. uncontrolled fits or seizures
as Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine may not be suitable for you or your child.
Inform your doctor if you or your child has the following conditions:
- bleeding problems
- history of fever ≥40°C of unknown cause, collapse, and continuous inconsolable crying which occurred within 48 hours of immunisation against pertussis infection
- history of fits or seizures which occurred within 3 days of immunisation against pertussis infection
- history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves) that occurred within 6 weeks of immunisation against tetanus infection
- history of Arthus-type allergic reaction (an allergic reaction characterised by local swelling, redness, and pain that may occur after vaccination)
- any sudden illness (with or without fever)
- weak immune system
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, sleepiness, irritability, loss of appetite, fever, and pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you or your child experiences any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- temporary loss of consciousness or fainting
- muscle weakness or pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, problem with balance and coordination
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you or your child experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you or your child is taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders
- medicines for cancer
- corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you or your child is taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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