Are There Dangers Associated With DTaP and Tdap?
Like any medicines, vaccines can have side effects. But the risk of experiencing a serious problem to DTaP or Tdap is extremely slim. On the other hand, the risk of your child contracting a major illness like diphtheria or pertussis would be extremely high without the vaccine. One of the most serious problems that can come from getting the vaccine is an allergic reaction. That happens in less than one out of a million doses. If it were going to happen it would most likely happen within a few minutes to a couple of hours after taking the vaccine. And even though it’s rare, it’s important to be alert for an allergic reaction with any medicine and get medical help at once if it occurs. Symptoms might include any of the following: • difficulty breathing • hoarseness • wheezing • hives • paleness • weakness • rapid heart beat • dizziness Other very rare problems that have been reported include long-term seizures, coma or lowered consciousness, and brain damage. These problems have occurred
