diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated) at a glance
Vaccine class
Combined bacterial-toxoid, acellular-antigen and inactivated-virus vaccine.
Usual role
Booster immunisation after earlier vaccination; selected products are also licensed during pregnancy to help protect infants against pertussis.
How it is given
Injection into a muscle, usually in the upper arm, by a trained healthcare professional.
Live vaccine
No. It contains toxoids, purified pertussis antigens and inactivated polioviruses.
What is diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated) used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Booster immunisation against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis in people aged 3 years and over following primary immunisation.
Maternal immunisation during pregnancy to provide passive protection against pertussis in early infancy.
How does diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated) work?
Its toxoids, purified acellular pertussis antigens and inactivated polioviruses stimulate antibodies and immune memory without causing these infections. During pregnancy, maternal pertussis antibodies can cross the placenta and temporarily protect the baby.
How to take diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated)
A trained professional prepares and administers this vaccine. Food does not affect vaccination.
It is normally injected into muscle, preferably in the upper arm.
The suspension should be shaken and visually checked before administration.
Tell the vaccinator about previous vaccine reactions, allergies, neurological illness, bleeding problems, immunosuppressive treatment and any tendency to faint with injections.
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated) side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue, headache or feeling unwell
- Fever or chills
- Muscle or joint aches
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
- Irritability or sleepiness, particularly in children
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, widespread hives or collapse
- Seizure or shock-like, poorly responsive episode
- Marked swelling across a joint or much of the vaccinated limb
- New neurological symptoms such as progressive weakness
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated) in pregnancy
Both selected products are licensed during later pregnancy for passive protection of infants against pertussis. Available safety data have not identified vaccine-related harm to pregnancy or the newborn. The current UK programme may preferentially supply another pertussis-containing vaccine, so the product offered should follow national guidance and individual suitability.
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated) interactions
Tell the vaccinator about all medicines, vaccines and immune treatments.
Immunosuppressants, systemic corticosteroids or chemotherapy
The immune response may be reduced, although this does not usually create an infection risk because the vaccine is non-live.
Anticoagulants or medicines affecting clotting
Intramuscular injection may increase bruising or bleeding, so suitability and administration technique require assessment.
Common questions about diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular) and poliomyelitis (inactivated)
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this a live vaccine?
No. It contains toxoids, purified acellular pertussis components and inactivated polioviruses, so it cannot cause these infections.
Can it be given during pregnancy?
Yes. Selected products are licensed during later pregnancy to help protect the infant against pertussis, but the current programme and individual suitability determine which product is offered.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.