4 in 1 vaccine
The 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine is offered to pre-school children to boost their protection against 4 different serious diseases, namely diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. The 4-in-1 vaccine also stops children from passing the germs on to babies who are too young to have protection against these diseases through vaccination. This vaccine protects children against these infections until they receive their 3-in-1 teenage booster at the age of 14.
When should babies have the 4-in-1 vaccine?
The 4-in-1 booster vaccine is given to children from the age of 3 years and 4 months.
How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is injected into the child’s upper arm.
How well does the 4-in-1 vaccine work?
Studies have shown that the 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine is very effective; more than 99% of children who had been given the 4-in-1 pre-school booster were protected against tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and polio.
Is the vaccine safe?
The 4-in-1 pre-school booster has been thoroughly tested to ensure it is safe and effective. The brand name of the 4-in-1 pre-school booster is REPEVAX; it provides a good booster response.
What about side effects?
Most children will not have any problems at all. Some children will have side effects that are usually mild and do not last long. They usually happen within 48 hours of the injection.
Very common side effects include:
- discomfort, redness and swelling at the injection site
- loss of appetite
- irritability or restlessness
- increased crying
- high temperature (fever) of 38C or above
Common side effects include:
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- aching or swollen joints
Uncommon side effects include:
- swollen glands
- a rash at the site of the injection
Very rarely, a child has a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, soon after the 4-in-1 pre-school booster.
The nurse administering the vaccine is trained in handling thus type of reaction and will do so promptly.
Can the 4-in-1 vaccine be given at the same time as other vaccines?
It is safe for your child to have the 4-in-1 pre-school booster at the same time as other vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine.
Which children should not have the 4-in-1 infant pre-school booster?
The majority of children can have the 4-in-1 pre-school booster. Children who should not have it includes those who:
- have a high temperature (fever) of 38C at the time of the vaccination appointment
- are allergic to the vaccine or who have had a severe allergic reaction to any part of the vaccine before
What if your baby misses the 4-in-1 vaccination appointment?
It is best for children to be vaccinated at the right age, as they are then protected against serious diseases as early in life as possible. If your child missed having the 4-in-1 pre-school booster first time around, please make an appointment with your child health nurse as soon as you can.
