Symptoms after accelerated immunisation.

Abstract

To document the incidence of symptoms after accelerated immunisation with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine. Controlled study of children immunised with adsorbed diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine at accelerated and standard schedules. Colchester and north Hertfordshire. 107 children scheduled to receive immunisation at 2, 3, and 4 months of age and 115 children scheduled to receive immunisation at 3, 4 1/2 to 5, and 8 1/2 to 11 months of age. Parentally recorded symptoms, axillary temperatures, and size of local redness and swelling at the injection site during the seven days after immunisation. In general symptoms occurred less frequently with the accelerated schedule. Proportions of parents reporting axillary temperatures greater than 37.2 degrees C or local redness or swelling greater than 2.5 cm after the third dose of vaccine were significantly reduced in the accelerated schedule group. Immunisation at 2, 3, and 4 months of age is likely to cause fewer reactions than immunisation at 3, 4 1/2 to 5, and 8 1/2 to 11 months of age.