The DTaP package insert

[A&A]

We have VERY selectively vaxed ds (2). My dh is very concerned about tetanus, because of where we live. Anyway, we did get him this vax (Daptacel by Aventis Pasteur), and I just have to share with you what the package insert says about pertussis:


"The role of the different components produced by B. pertussis (the vaccine) in either the pathogenesis of, or immunity to, pertussis is not well understood."

Does this mean what I think it does? They're actually admitting that THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW whether or not the vax prevents pertussis, or in fact contributes to it? Scary.


BTW, when I asked the nurse for the package insert and the lot #, SHE ROLLED HER EYES.

[~Jenna~]

It does sound like they are not really sure what it does! Probably they can say that in the insert because they are covering their behind, and besides 99% of parents don't read the insert anyway.
I used to work at a college of pharmacy and one of the professors said that they try to write those inserts so that regular people can't understand them. Nice, huh?

[grahamsmom98]

The insert says:

"The role of the different components produced by B. pertussis (the vaccine) in either the pathogenesis of, or immunity to, pertussis is not well understood."

I am guessing that you put in the part that is enclosed with parenthesis "(the vaccine)" ??

This is not talking about the vaccine, but about the bacterium Bordetella pertussis which causes the disease. B. pertussis is the name of the bacterium. Daptacel is the name of the vaccine.

[grahamsmom98]

By the way, though it is too late now, why did your doctor give the Daptacel instead of just TIG, if your concern was just about tetanus?

If passive immunization is needed for tetanus prophylaxis, Tetanus Immune Globulin (Human) (TIG) is the product of choice. It provides longer protection than antitoxin of animal origin and is associated with few adverse reactions.

Has your son had the series for these diseases already?
Has your son had Daptacel before (they do not recommend "mixing" this vaccine with other DTaP vaccine brands)?

We stopped all vaccinations after nearly losing our ds to a reaction at age 7 months. He received 6 vaccines in one visit, and it was, in all probability, due to the pertussis component.

We live in the country but aren't particularly worried about tetanus.

[A&A]

Originally Posted by grahamsmom98

The insert says:

"The role of the different components produced by B. pertussis (the vaccine) in either the pathogenesis of, or immunity to, pertussis is not well understood."

I am guessing that you put in the part that is enclosed with parenthesis "(the vaccine)" ??

This is not talking about the vaccine, but about the bacterium Bordetella pertussis which causes the disease. B. pertussis is the name of the bacterium. Daptacel is the name of the vaccine.

Oops. You're right. I figured that out later.

[A&A]

Originally Posted by grahamsmom98

By the way, though it is too late now, why did your doctor give the Daptacel instead of just TIG, if your concern was just about tetanus?

I've never even heard of TIG. See how much I learn here? Does it contain mercury? We didn't want to go with just the DT route because of the mercury; I didnt know there was another option.

Edited to add: Isn't human globulin technically a blood product, and therefore could contain blood-borne diseases?