DTaP vaccine....question for Dr. Fett

[momofsix]

A couple of days ago I stepped on a rusty nail and got the DTaP vaccine yesterday. Today I just felt miserable and there seem to be more PVC's......Is the vaccine more risky for people with heart trouble? Should I rest more for a few days? Today I worked in the garden, but ended up thinking it was probably not the best choice to add getting exhausted to the stress my body might be dealing with because of the vaccine........
Thanks, Christa

[JAMESFETT]

Well, DT should be perfectly safe for anyone, irrespective of heart disease, unless there is an allergic type reaction. Pertussis may offer more reactions to adults, but hopefully, you will soon feel fine.

JD

[momofsix]

Oh. I even tried to get the DT. Doctor's dont' even seem to have that in stock anymore. I was uncomfortable about the pertussis, especially since I had pertussis when I was a child. They told me that my immunity has by now worn off. That was new to me, I though once you have those kinds of dieseases immunity lasts a lifetime. Then they told me there was absolutely no higher risk between getting the DT or the DTaP....................

[JAMESFETT]

Does the "DTaP" refer to tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis? Maybe I am not current on pertussis immunizations for adults, but that can easily be checked through CDC recommendations with respect to that advice. It's not my area of expertise, but I still carry with me the counsel that is OK to use Td in adults, but not DTP.

JD

P.S. I just checked CDC guidelines for adult immunization, and they still recommend Td for adults, and not DTP. There should be no lack of Td vaccine, it is commonly available, and the d for diphtheria is recommended because of waning of protection over the years; but pertussis is not included because of more reactions in adults. If there is a newer combination for which that is not true, it is not reflected in current CDC recommendations and guidelines for adult immunizations. Please check with greater authorities on this issue, since I am not offering general advice in that area.

[momofsix]

The CDC has recommended it since about a year, to avoid that adults get pertussis and pass it on to vulnerable babies and children. It is not exactly the same DTaP vaccine, but it contains less pertussis protein than the version for children...... They write it with a lower case p, DTap..........
I am feeling OK, as long as I take it easy. Thanks for your good wishes Dr. Fett!
Christa