What are Ordinary Side Effects of DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td?

The DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td vaccines provide protection against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis in various formulations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination against all three of these diseases beginning at six weeks of age, with the DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td vaccines being specifically recommended for different patient populations.

The DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td each have a number of common side effects. According to the CDC, “most common side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.” However, these vaccines have been linked to a number of potentially-serious injuries and illnesses as well; and, as a result, it is important for parents and adult vaccine recipients to be aware of when medical attention may be required.

Common Side Effects of the DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td Vaccines According to the CDC

The CDC has published separate lists of common side effects for each formulation of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines. These lists are as follows:

DTaP Vaccine (Recommended for Children Six Months to Six Years of Age)

• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Soreness or swelling at the injection site
• Vomiting

Tdap Vaccine (Recommended for Adults and Adolescents 10 Years of Age and Older)

• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Mild fever
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ache
• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site

DT Vaccine (Recommended for Children Six Months to Six Years of Age for Whom Vaccination Against Pertussis is Not Recommended)

• Crying
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Pain at the injection site

Td Vaccine (Recommended for Adults and Adolescents 10 Years of Age and Older)

• Fever
• Headache
• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Tiredness

Potentially-Serious Vaccine Injuries Linked to the DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td Vaccines

While these side effects usually are not severe, the DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td vaccines also carry risks for certain potentially-serious vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. These include:

• Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) – Mistakes during DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td vaccinations (i.e. administering the shot too high or too low on the shoulder) can lead to a number of potentially-serious shoulder injuries. The first sign of these injuries is usually lingering or severe pain in the shoulder where the vaccine was administered.
• Encephalitis – Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, is a potentially-serious condition that has been linked to the CDC-recommended tetanus vaccines. Early symptoms include confusion, drowsiness, seizures, severe headaches, fever and vomiting.
• Parsonage-Turner Syndrome – Also known as brachial neuritis, Parsonage-Turner Syndrome is a disease that results from damage to nerves in the neck and shoulder. While the disease can eventually lead to total loss of nerve function, early symptoms include severe pain, weakness, limpness or paralysis in the arm or shoulder, and loss of sensation in the arm or shoulder.

Have You or a Loved One Been Diagnosed with a Vaccine-Related Illness or Injury?

If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with SIRVA, encephalitis or Parsonage-Turner Syndrome following a DTaP, Tdap, DT or Td vaccination, you may be entitled to a financial recovery under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). To learn more from national vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant, call us at 202-800-1711 or request a free consultation online today.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.