Introduction
Daptacel is a critical vaccine that safeguards children against three serious bacterial infections: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Developed by Sanofi Pasteur, Daptacel has been widely used since 2005 to protect young minds. In this blog, we’ll delve into the vaccine’s benefits, composition, and administration.
Daptacel [(diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed (DTaP)] is an immunization used to help prevent the diseases of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Most children who are vaccinated with DTaP will be protected throughout childhood. Daptacel is available in generic form.
Daptacel is a combination vaccine that immunizes against:
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection causing respiratory issues
- Tetanus: A bacterial infection causing muscle stiffness and rigidity
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): A contagious respiratory infection
How Does Daptacel Work?
Mechanism of Action
The DTaP vaccine is a combination of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It comprises diphtheria, tetanus toxoids (inactivated toxins), and acellular pertussis antigens. The tetanus component of the vaccine is about 5 to 10 levels of flocculation units of manufactured tetanus toxoid. The diphtheria component is a manufactured diphtheria toxoid of about 15 to 25 levels of flocculation units. The acellular pertussis component of a DTaP vaccine consists of manufactured pertussis antigens called pertussis toxin, filamentous haemagglutinin, pertactin, and fimbriae type 2 and 3. The vaccine produces an active immune response in the body by developing antibodies and antitoxins against the toxoids and acellular pertussis antigens. Two single DTaP vaccines are available in the United States and approved by the FDA.
Daptacel contains:
1. Diphtheria toxoid
2. Tetanus toxoid
3. Pertussis antigens (inactivated)
When administered, Daptacel stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, providing long-term protection.
Benefits of Daptacel
1. Effective protection: Against three serious bacterial infections
2. Reduced risk: Of complications and hospitalizations
3. Herds immunity: Contributes to community protection
Administration and Schedule
Typically administered as a series of 5 doses:
1. 2 months
2. 4 months
3. 6 months
4. 15-20 months
5. 4-6 years (booster dose)
Side Effects and Contraindications:
Common side effects:
Whole-cell pertussis vaccines, or DTP vaccines, were commonly associated with local adverse events, including swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site. DTaP vaccines replaced DTP vaccines in the 1990s to reduce the number of these common adverse events. Less common adverse events for pertussis vaccines are seizures, hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes, and prolonged crying. Vaccines with tetanus toxoids can cause brachial neuritis based on case reports and studies reviewed by the World Health Organization and ACIP. The cases can be severe but are rare, and brachial neuritis is usually self-limited.ACIP has reviewed several studies regarding the simultaneous administration of DTaP with other vaccines. There may be an increased risk of febrile seizures within 24 hours when administering the inactivated influenza vaccine and the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine or the Tap vaccine. The overall risk for febrile seizures is small with any combination of vaccines. Therefore, the ACIP recommends a simultaneous administration of these vaccines.
Contraindications:
Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis after administration of the DTaP vaccine or vaccine component is considered a contraindication. Encephalopathy (coma, a decreased level of consciousness, or prolonged seizures) that occurs within 7 days of DTaP administration and with no identifiable cause is also a contraindication. Pregnancy should not be considered a contraindication to DTaP vaccination.
Monitoring
ACIP reviewed studies that showed children developed a significant antibody response and antitoxin levels of the diseases after 3 to 4 doses of either Infanrix or Daptacel. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and Vaccine Safety Datalink surveyed any adverse events with the acellular pertussis vaccine in the United States. Overall, the studies support the safety of DTaP.Clinicians should defer vaccines with pertussis components in infants or children with suspected or evolving neurological disease, including seizures. Vaccination with pertussis components can begin or resume upon establishing a treatment regimen, or the condition has stabilized.An Arthus reaction (type III hypersensitivity reaction) can occur after administering vaccines with diphtheria toxoids or tetanus toxoids. Symptoms of the reaction include severe pain, swelling, induration, edema, hemorrhage, and occasionally necrosis. The reaction is rare after vaccine administration and resolves over time. An Arthus reaction is not a contraindication to the DTaP vaccine, but any vaccines with tetanus toxoids should be administered every 10 years.
Conclusion:
Daptacel plays a vital role in protecting children from serious bacterial infections. Understanding its benefits, composition, and administration empowers parents and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.
Additional Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Sanofi Pasteur
- Vaccine Safety Net
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