Daptacel (Dtap Pediatric) (Pf)

(Daptacel (dtap pediatric) (pf)) This vaccine is given to provide protection (immunity) against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) in children between 6 weeks and 7 years old. Vaccination is the best way to protect against these life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies).

Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care professional. This vaccine is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given in the upper arm or upper thigh. Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. Keep all scheduled medical appointments. It may be helpful to mark a calendar as a reminder. There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, your health care professional will decide which vaccines are best for you. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your health care professional. This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines (such as hepatitis B) using a separate needle and injection site.

Before your child receives this vaccination, tell the health care professional if your child is allergic to it; or to any other vaccines; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details. Before using this vaccine, tell your health care professional your child's medical history, especially of: history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment), illness/infection, seizures, other nervous system disorders (e.g., paralysis, numbness/tingling, extreme drowsiness, confusion), previous reactions to any vaccine (e.g., high fever, seizures, paralysis, decreased responsiveness). This vaccine is usually not used in adults or children 7 years or older. Therefore, no information on pregnancy or breast-feeding is included. Vaccines for this age group are available. Consult your health care professional.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this vaccine are: drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone), other recent/planned vaccinations (e.g., diphtheria/tetanus toxoids).

It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when the vaccination was last given for your child's medical record.

Mild fever, irritability, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleepiness, diarrhea, or pain/swelling/redness at the injection site may occur. Acetaminophen may be used to reduce these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell the health care professional promptly. Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell the health care professional right away if your child has any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long. Remember that the health care professional has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell the health care professional right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: high fever (105 degrees F/40 degrees C or higher), persistent crying (beginning within 48 hours of the injection and lasting longer than 3 hours), seizure, listlessness/unresponsiveness, muscle weakness/floppy muscles. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat). This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the health care professional. Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.