The effect of prophylactic paracetamol administration on adverse reactions following DTP vaccination

Immunization is one of the great accomplishments of the field of public health. Various side effects in the form of local reactions and systemic symptoms occur frequently after diphtheria, tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) vaccination. The present study was undertaken to measure the effect of prophylactic paracetamol on reactions during the first 24 hours of DTP vaccination in a double blinded controlled manner, including 300 children. The adverse reactions were overall higher in placebo group compared to the prophylactic paracetamol group. In all the four age groups significant differences were noted for fever. Significant differences were also noted for fussiness in all the age groups thus concluding that there is an overall beneficial effect of prophylactic paracetamol in reducing the adverse effects following DTP vaccination.