DAPTACEL vaccine has been demonstrated to be safe.^7,8,10

• The rates of adverse reactions to DAPTACEL vaccine (n= 2587) were similar to the DT placebo-control vaccine (n=2574). ^7,8

• A vaccine with mild side effects may help parents comply with immunization recommendations for their children.^6,8

• There are risks associated with all vaccines. Local and systemic adverse reactions may include redness, swelling, pain or tenderness at the injection site, fever, irritability, prolonged crying, drowsiness, vomiting, and anorexia. Other local and systemic adverse reactions may occur.

Remember, immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against diseases like pertussis. Before the pertussis vaccine was developed, over 260,000 cases of pertussis and 9000 deaths due to pertussis were reported each year in the United States.^8,9 But thanks to vaccination, millions of children are protected from serious, life-threatening diseases like pertussis.

Reference:
6. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended childhood immunization schedule—United States, 2002. Pediatrics. 2002;109:162-164.
7. DAPTACEL Vaccine Prescribing Information, March 2003.
8. Gustafsson L, Hallander HO, Ohio P, et al. A controlled trial of two-component acellular, aa five component acellular, and a wholecell pertussis vaccine. N Engl J Med. 1966;334:349-355.
9. WHO meeting on case definition of pertussis: Geneva, 10-11 January 1991. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization: 1991:4-5. issue MIM/EPI/PERT/91.1.
10. Decker MD, Edwards KM, Steinhoff MC, et al. Comparison of 13 acellular pertussis vaccines: adv erse reactions. Pediatrics. 1995; 96 (suppl):557-566.