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ADVICE FOR PATIENTS

 

Your Child’s First Vaccines: What You Need to Know

Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages.
See www.immunize.org/vis
Hojas de información sobre vacunas están disponibles en español y en muchos otros idiomas.
Visite www.immunize.org/vis


The vaccines included on this statement are likely to be given at the same time during infancy and early childhood.
There are separate Vaccine Information Statements for other vaccines that are also routinely recommended for young children (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, rotavirus, influenza, and hepatitis A).


Your child is getting these vaccines today:

[ ] DTaP  [ ] Hib  [ ] Hepatitis B  [ ] PCV  [ ] Polio
(Provider: Check appropriate boxes)


1. Why get vaccinated?

Vaccines can prevent disease. Childhood vaccination is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)

  • Diphtheria (D) can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death.

  • Tetanus (T) causes painful stiffening of the muscles and can lead to serious health problems, including inability to open the mouth, trouble swallowing or breathing, or death.

  • Pertussis (aP), or “whooping cough,” causes violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. It can cause pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or death, especially in babies.

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) disease

Haemophilus influenzae type b can cause mild illnesses like ear infections or bronchitis, or severe illnesses such as infections of the blood, pneumonia, meningitis, or swelling of the throat that makes it hard to breathe. Severe Hib infections can be life-threatening.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can cause short-term illness (fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, jaundice) or long-term infection that leads to liver damage, liver cancer, or death.

Pneumococcal disease (PCV)

Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis, or blood infections. Some infections can cause brain damage, hearing loss, or death.

Polio

Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. Most cases are mild, but some cause permanent disability or death.


2. DTaP, Hib, hepatitis B, pneumococcal conjugate, and polio vaccines

Infants and children usually need:

  • 5 doses of DTaP

  • 3 or 4 doses of Hib

  • 3 doses of hepatitis B

  • 4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)

  • 4 doses of polio vaccine

Some children may need fewer or more doses depending on age or circumstances.
Older children, adolescents, or adults who missed doses may also need these vaccines.
These vaccines may be given separately or as combination vaccines (several vaccines in one shot).


3. Talk with your health care provider

Tell your vaccination provider if the child getting the vaccine:

For all of these vaccines:

  • Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of the vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies.

For DTaP:

  • Had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of a diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis vaccine.

  • Had a coma, decreased consciousness, or prolonged seizures within 7 days after a previous pertussis vaccine (DTP or DTaP).

  • Has seizures or another nervous system problem.

  • Has ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

  • Had severe pain or swelling after a previous diphtheria or tetanus vaccine.

For PCV:

  • Had an allergic reaction after a previous pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, or PCV7) or to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid (e.g., DTaP).

In some cases, your child’s provider may decide to postpone vaccination.
Children with mild illnesses (such as a cold) can usually be vaccinated, but those who are moderately or severely ill should wait until recovery.


4. Risks of a vaccine reaction

For all of these vaccines:

  • Soreness, redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or tenderness at the injection site.

For DTaP, Hib, hepatitis B, and PCV:

  • Fever may occur after vaccination.

For DTaP:

  • Fussiness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and vomiting.

  • Rarely: seizures, nonstop crying for 3+ hours, or high fever (over 105°F).

  • Occasionally swelling of the entire arm or leg after the 4th or 5th dose.

For PCV:

  • Loss of appetite, irritability, tiredness, headache, chills.

  • Increased risk of fever-related seizures if given with flu vaccine.

As with any medicine, there is a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction, serious injury, or death.


5. What if there is a serious problem?

An allergic reaction could occur after leaving the clinic.
If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital.

For other concerning symptoms, call your health care provider.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

(VAERS is only for reporting reactions; staff cannot provide medical advice.)


6. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that compensates people who may have been injured by certain vaccines.
Claims must be filed within specific time limits (as short as two years).
Visit www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation or call 1-800-338-2382 for details.


7. How can I learn more?


Vaccine Information Statement (Interim)
Multi Pediatric Vaccines
Date: 7/24/2023
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26

Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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