Abstract
Widespread use of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine necessitates evaluation of reaction rates. Parents from 4 practices were surveyed to ascertain reactions of children to DPT vaccine in the 48 hours after immunization. Vaccines were administered according to current recommendations. Responses were scored in 3 categories (points in parentheses): Temperature: 100-102°F(1) and > 102°F(3); Behavior: irritability(1), crying (2), and screaming(3); Local Reactions: redness(1), swelling(1), and tenderness(1). Other reactions were given one point. A score was determined for each patient, points being given for the most severe temperature and/or behavioral reaction, and an additive score for each of the local reactions observed for a maximum of 10. 621 (82.3%) patients returned questionnaires. The average score was 3.54 ± 2.04.
Over 50% experienced temperatures of at least 100°F and 80% noted behavioral changes. 75.4% had local reactions. No encephalitis, seizures, or hospitalizations were reported. Reactogenicity was similar for the 5 immunizations of the recommended series. These reaction rates underline the need to further evaluate present vaccine products.
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Barkin, R., Pichichero, M. & McIntosh, K. 350 DIPHTHERIA-PERTUSSIS-TETANUS VACCINE: REACTOGENICITY OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 422 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00355
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00355