Getting your DTP?

Question

How come when you're getting your DTP (DTap) shot, your arm is extremely sore afterwards? I asked my doctor the question and he didn't seem to answer. Also, if you're getting the Gardasil shot and also your PPD on the same day as your DTP (DTaP) does it cause you to feel sicker? I know that with Gardasil itself, it makes you feel sick, but what about the other shots?

Answer 1

Over the years I have read articles and have been given several different reasons the DTP shot hurts. First, we have known for years that the old whole-cell pertussis vaccine (the P in the DTP) was more reactogenic, causing swelling, fever, irritability, etc. Indeed, the incidence of local and systemic reactions decreased when the acellular DTaP became available.

A second reason for local reactions has been attributed to the adjuvant that is put with the vaccine. The adjuvant allows the immunization to be absorbed more slowly, increasing its immunigenic affect. However, is causes more local reactions.

The DTaP is supposed to be administered intramuscularly. If it is injected in the fatty layer, more reaction can occur. Sometimes, when the muscle contracts, the vaccine will leak back along the needle track. This can be partly avoided by using a small diameter needle (pretty standard practice nowadays) and by pulling slightly on the skin when injecting the vaccine, so that the needle track in the muscle is not contiguous with that in the fatty layer after the needle is withdrawn.

Gardasil came out after I retired, so I have no personal experience with it. Sounds like a good deal for women however, regardless of the temporary discomfort.

Answer 2

the tetanus part of a shot causes the arm to be sore for a day or two Usually you are told its fine to take some OTC pain reliever of your choice Also keeping the arm moving about seems to help rather than guarding it.Not sure about the others-read below Also the doctor may want you to spend a few mintes reading the info sheets they give out that explain all the expected effects and symtoms to report etc before you actually get the shots So log into the CDC website and do a little reading Try to stick to scientifically based websites rather than individuals websites