Incidence of adverse reactions after administration of high dose diphtheria with tetanus vaccine to school leavers: retrospective questionnaire study.

Abstract

In October 1994, after an increased incidence of diphtheria in eastern Europe, the Department of Health recommended that all children aged 15-18 years should receive a combined tetanus and low dose diphtheria vaccine in place of tetanus vaccine alone.1 Low dose vaccine is recommended for adults and older children because of the possibility of serious reactions in those who are immune. In March 1995, 220 children aged between 14 years 4 months and 16 years 1 month were inadvertently given high dose diphtheria with tetanus vaccine. When this error was discovered the immunisation sessions were halted and stocks of the high dose vaccine were withdrawn from schools. Following an official inquiry into the incident, the parents …