Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine is a contraindication (see DESCRIPTION).

It is a contraindication to use this vaccine after an immediate anaphylactic reaction temporally associated with a previous dose. Because of the uncertainty as to which component of the vaccine might be responsible, no further vaccination with diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis should be given. Alternatively, because of the importance of tetanus vaccination, such individuals may be referred to an allergist for evaluation.¹ Immunization should be deferred during the course of a moderate or severe febrile illness or acute infection (see PRECAUTIONS).^1,17,18 Elective immunization should be deferred during an outbreak of poliomyelitis.¹⁹ Safety data on the use of Infanrix (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed) in children for whom whole-cell pertussis vaccine is contraindicated are not available. Until such data are available, it would be prudent to consider Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) contraindications to whole-cell DTP vaccine as contraindications to Infanrix.^1,18,20 The ACIP states that "if any of the following events occur in temporal relationship to the administration of DTP, further vaccination with DTP is contraindicated":

1. An immediate anaphylactic reaction.

2. Encephalopathy (not due to another identifiable cause). This is defined as an acute, severe central nervous system disorder occurring within 7 days following vaccination (with whole-cell DTP or acellular DTP), and generally consisting of major alterations in consciousness, unresponsiveness, generalized or focal seizures that persist more than a few hours, with failure to recover within 24 hours. Even though causation by DTP vaccine cannot be established, no subsequent doses of pertussis vaccine should be given.

Bookmark this page: