How to Identify Diphtheria Vaccine Side Effects

Diphtheria is a disease that causes obstruction of the airway, pneumonia, paralysis, and heart failure that can lead to death. It starts as a sore throat and escalates. It is usually prevented through childhood vaccines such as DTaP. It is usually given in conjunction with other vaccines and rarely given alone. Here are the side effects to look for after the vaccine is administered.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the most common side effects - soreness near the shot, mild grade fever, reduced appetite, crankiness, sleepiness or vomiting. One half of all people given the vaccine will have one or more of these side effects.
2. Look for the more rare side effects to the diphtheria vaccination. In rare cases children may have a high grade fever of 105 degrees or higher, drawn out periods of fussiness or a possible seizure, or may appear lethargic and limp. These are very serious and a doctor or emergency service must be called immediately.
3. Look for the most severe reactions to the vaccine. Very rarely the reaction is a type of brain reaction that leads to brain inflammation, a seizure, a coma or a lessened consciousness. Call 911 immediately if any of these signs appear after a diphtheria vaccine is administered to your child.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor for an information sheet on the side effects of diphtheria before leaving his office.
• Contact your doctor immediately if anything unusual occurs. It is better to check and be safe.