DTaP/IPV booster

The DTaP/IPV booster vaccine is given to protect against;

• Diphtheria (D)
• Tetanus (T)
• Acellular Pertussis (aP)
• Polio (IPV stands for inactivated polio vaccine)

The vaccine is inactivated which means it cannot cause the diseases it's protecting against

Children are given the booster vaccine prior to starting school at about four years old.

The vaccination boosts the immunisation acquired from the primary vaccines given at two, three and four months old.

The vaccine is given by a single injection into a muscle, usually in the top of his arm.

Side effects

All vaccines can have some side effects, which usually show up within 12 to 24 hours of the vaccine being given.

Some mild side effects include;

• a slightly raised temperature
• irritability
• some sickness and/or diarrhoea
• a small lump at the site the injection, which may last for a few weeks
• redness and swelling where the injection was given (up to one in ten children are affected by this)

One in a thousand children could suffer from more serious side effects including;

• fits (febrile convulsions)
• very high temperature
• floppy and unresponsive
• anaphylaxis (an extreme reaction affecting breathing which usually occurs within 10 minutes of receiving the vaccination)

Where to next?

• What is immunisation?
• What protection levels do vaccines offer?
• Natural immunity
• The diseases your child can be vaccinated against
• What vaccinations will be offered,when and why
• The vaccination timetable
• Why should I immunise my child?
• What to expect on the day
• What if my baby is premature?
• Contraindications
• Should I have my child vaccinated?
• Can homeopathy be as effective as vaccination

• Talk to other parents about your baby jab worries
• Find out all about your baby's immunisations
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