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Quadracel® (DTap-IPV) Vaccine

This page was reviewed or revised on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 10:29 AM

What is Quadracel® (DTap-IPV) vaccine?

The Quadracel® (DTap-IPV) vaccine is one needle that combines to protect children against four diseases: pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis is also called whooping cough. It can infect people of any age. Teens and adults are the most common source of infection for infants and young children. Whooping cough spreads easily through coughing or sneezing.

It can cause spells of violent coughing that lead to vomiting or can cause breathing to stop for a short period of time. The cough can last for weeks and make it hard to eat, drink or breathe. Whooping cough can cause pneumonia, brain damage and death, most often in babies.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a disease of the nose, throat and skin. It can cause breathing troubles, heart failure and nerve damage. It can be fatal.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is also called lockjaw. It can happen if dirt with the tetanus germ gets in a cut. Even with early treatment, tetanus can be fatal.

What is polio?

Polio is a disease you can get from drinking water or eating food with the polio germ. It can cause nerve damage, and paralyze a person for life. Most people with polio have walking problems and up to 10% of people die from the disease.

Does Quadracel® (DTap-IPV) work?

When given as a booster dose in children 4-6 years of age, over 99% of children are protected against diptheria and tetanus, over 85% are safe from whooping cough, and 100% are safe from polio.

Who should get Quadracel® (DTap-IPV)?

The vaccine is given as a booster dose to children 4-6 years of age (before the child's 7th birthday). Before that, your child should have received 4 doses of a similar vaccine that gives protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and haemophilus influenza type B (Hib).

Who should NOT get Quadracel® (DTap-IPV)?

The vaccine may not be given to:

• Anyone with a fever or infection that is worse than a cold. 
• Anyone who has had a reaction to Quadracel®, or any ingredient in the vaccine.
• Anyone who has had any nervous system problems within 7 days after a vaccination for pertussis (whooping cough).
• Children 7 years of age and older.

Is Quadracel® safe?

Yes. Serious side effects are rare. Mild pain, swelling and redness are common at the spot where the needle was given. Some may get a mild fever, headache, dizziness, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or feel tired for 1-2 days.

Call your doctor if any of these signs show up within 3 days after:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing 
• Pale colour
• Very tired
• High fever (over 40ºC or 104ºF)
• Convulsions or seizures
• Other problems

Questions about Quadracel®?

If you have any questions about the vaccine, talk with your health care provider or call the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department at 519 383-8331 ext. 3572 or 3546 or toll free 1-800-667-1839.