Information on Combined Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (DTaP-IPV) / Combined Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (reduced dose) and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (dTap-IPV)

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Poliomyelitis can all be effectively prevented by immunisation.

(I) Who should get this immunisation?

According to the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, the 3-dose primary series of immunisation against the above diseases should be completed in the first year of life.  Three booster doses should be given at 1½ years of age, primary 1 and primary 6 in order to maintain long-lasting protection.

(II) Children with the following conditions should not receive DTaP-IPV

1. Anaphylactic reaction to any of the vaccine components or following a previous dose of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis or poliomyelitis vaccine.
2. Encephalopathy not due to an identifiable cause occurring within 7 days following a previous dose of DTaP-IPV or a pertussis-containing vaccine.
3. Anaphylactic reaction to Glutaraldehyde, Neomycin, Streptomycin or Polymyxin B

(III) Points to note before immunisation

1. Student with a mild cold or cough on the day of vaccination can receive the vaccine.  However, it should be postponed until recovery if the student has a fever.

2. Parents should consult their family doctors beforehand if the students have the following conditions:

   • the occurrence of the following after a previous pertussis-containing vaccine :
     • within 48 hours of immunisation:
       • temperature above 40.5℃ (105℉) with no other identifiable causes
       • collapse or shock-like state (hypotonic hyporesponsive episode)
       • persistent crying lasting for 3 hours or more
     • convulsions occurring within 3 days after immunisation
   • history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome occurring within 6 weeks after a tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine
   • known or suspected neurologic condition (e.g. progressive encephalopathy, uncontrolled epilepsy, etc.)
   • under treatment that will weaken immunity, such as steroid, irradiation or cytotoxic drugs
   • bleeding tendency.

(IV) Possible reactions after immunisation

Most children do not have serious reactions after receiving DTaP-IPV. Some children may have the following adverse events after immunisation :

1. Mild and short lasting side effects, including irritability, tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting

2. If there is any pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, parents may apply cold compress to relieve the symptoms.

3. If a fever occurs, parents may provide the child with antipyretic medication to relieve the symptoms.
4. Parents should bring their children to hospitals for treatment immediately if the following conditions occur :
   
   • less frequently occur conditions - persistent crying lasting for 3 hours or more, febrile seizures or shock-like state (hypotonic  hyporesponsive episode)
   • rarely occur conditions - transient benign swelling of the entire upper arm after immunisation
   • extremely rare conditions - breathing difficulty or coma soon after immunisation