The TDAP vaccine is administered under the public vaccination drive by the state federation to provide protection against the following diseases: Diptheria, tetanus and pertussis and hence the name. These potentially harmful bacterial diseases can be fatal for children and adults if not appropriately treated. Let us first learn a bit about the diseases, and then we can continue to the side effects of the TDAP vaccine:
Diptheria
Diphtheria is caused by an infection from the bacterial species corynebacterium diphtheria. The toxin the bacteria produces mainly causes breathing difficulty, cardiac arrhythmia, and so much more. The CDC has recommended the TDAP vaccine for infants, children and adults to prevent diphtheria. It is a communicable disease that usually spreads through sneezing, wheezing or coughing droplets from an infected person to a healthy person.
Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by the toxoid produced by a bacterium known as Clostridium Tetani. This bacterium is mostly found in dust, mud, soil and outdoor areas. Tetanus bacterium enters the body through any wound, cut or injury on the skin. The toxoid from the bacterium enters the bloodstream and causes severe muscle spasms. The dreaded symptom of tetanus infection is lockjaw which is stiffness, paralysis and spasm of the facial muscles. It also causes fatal muscle spasms in other body parts.
Pertussis
Pertussis is better known by its common name, Whooping Cough. It is a highly contagious infection, primarily affecting the human respiratory tract. The infection might get severe to the extent that the person faints or could be dead by repeated coughing. The causative agent for this disease is Bordetella pertussis. The infection is caused by the ciliary lining that covers the inner layer of the human respiratory system. The cilia swell and get damaged.
Before the discovery of the vaccine, a considerable number of children and adults were dead from these diseases. However, the TDAP vaccine has been immensely helpful in helping people to prevent the onset of these diseases. The attenuated bacteria administered through this vaccine act as mild antigens to the body against which the immune system develops antibodies. These antibodies fight when the actual infection sets in.
Recommendations Regarding the TDAP Vaccination
The Center for Diseases Control has laid the following guidelines regarding the administration of the TDAP vaccine:
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All children, pre-teens and teenagers should obtain the five pre-determined doses of DTAP vaccines. In addition, they should also obtain an additional TDAP vaccine booster dose.
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Pregnant women should be mandatorily administered the TDAP vaccine dose during the early days of their third trimester
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For adults who have already completed their TDAP vaccination quota, it is mandatory to receive one TDAP vaccine dose every 10 years.
Side Effects of TDAP Vaccine
There are multiple side effects of the TDAP vaccines. Some are the generalized side effects associated with most vaccines, while others are exclusive to this vaccine. The common side effects are as follows:
Fever: Like most other vaccines, the TDAP vaccine also invites fever that usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours after administration. In case of a high fever, paracetamol may be enough. However, the fever can also become a severe symptom, especially for children. If a very high fever persists for more than 48 hours, it is always advisable to consult the physician
Loss of Appetite: Post TDAP vaccination, the recipient loses appetite. There is no will to eat. The best way is not to force eating. The appetite usually comes back after 2 to 3 days. During this time, the recipient should have healthy home-cooked food that is not stressful for the guts. Vomiting can also follow, but there is nothing to be worried about. Severe vomiting, however, can lead to dehydration and must be treated with care.
Irritability and Tiredness: There is a lack of energy and enthusiasm. The children may become cranky and react adversely almost to everything. Peaceful sleep can be a good antidote for this.
How to Deal With TDAP Vaccine Side Effects
Usually, there aren’t many reported cases of severe TDAP vaccine side effects. However, if the recipient develops severe arm burning, or becomes allergic, always contact the physician and get the case reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. This is a way that the CDC monitors vaccine safety issues.
If any close acquaintance or a family member suffers from the TDAP vaccine side effects, you can claim legal compensation from the state. All you need in this case is an experienced vaccine injury attorney who will help you proceed with the case.
Before opting for the TDAP vaccine, make sure that you go through the CDC guidelines associated with the vaccine. This helps to know more about who shouldn’t take up the vaccines. High fever, concussions, spasms and severe allergies are fatal TDAP vaccine side effects. Observe the vaccine recipient closely for at least 24 hours fater vaccination to scrutinise them for these effects.
