What are the risks from DTaP vaccine?
Getting diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis disease is much riskier than getting DTaP vaccine. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of DTaP vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Mild Problems (Common) • Fever (up to about 1 child in 4) • Redness or swelling where the shot was given (up to about 1 child in 4) • Soreness or tenderness where the shot was given (up to about 1 child in 4) These problems occur more often after the 4th and 5th doses of the DTaP series than after earlier doses. Sometimes the 4th or 5th dose of DTaP vaccine is followed by swelling of the entire arm or leg in which the shot was given, for 1 to 7 days (up to about 1 child in 30). Other mild problems include: • Fussiness (up to about 1 child in 3) • Tiredness or poor appetite (up to about 1 child in 10) • Vomiting (up to about 1 child in 50) These problems generally occur 1 to 3 days after the shot. Moderate Pr
