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Tripedia
Tripedia ® ( DTaP) is a diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis ( whooping cough) vaccine. It is approved for use in infants and children under the age of seven. It is also approved to be mixed together with ActHIB®, a Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine ( Hib vaccine), for children 15 to 18 months of age.
(Click Tripedia Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Tripedia is made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Although Tripedia does not contain preservatives, it does contain a trace amount of thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative), which is a result of the manufacturing process.
Although for all practical purposes, parents should consider this vaccine to be thimerosal-free, there may be situations in which parents who are particularly concerned about thimerosal exposure may want to use a DTaP vaccine with absolutely no thimerosal such as Daptacel® or Infanrix®.
Some parents also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines; Tripedia contains aluminum (not more than 0.170 mg per dose).
This vaccine is not made from human fetal components, unlike some vaccines. However, Tripedia is made using bovine (cow) components, which may be a concern for some parents.
This vaccine contains several different components, including tetanus toxoids, diphtheria toxoids, and pertussis antigens. None of the components of this vaccine are "live," which means that the vaccine cannot cause diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis.
It is also important to note that the pertussis component of Tripedia is acellular (not made up of whole pertussis cells) and is much safer than the whole-cell pertussis vaccine that was used in the past.
Simply stated, the components of this vaccine "trick" the body into thinking it has been exposed to these different infections. The body produces antibodies that will help fight the infections if future exposure occurs.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations pertaining to Tripedia include the following:
- This vaccine is typically given as a five-dose series. The first dose is usually given at two months of age, and the fifth dose is given between four and six years of age.
- Tripedia is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually in the thigh for infants. In older children, the upper arm can be used.
- Children can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if the child is moderately or severely ill.
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this vaccine, although there is some flexibility in the vaccination schedule (see Tripedia Dosage for more information).
Just like any vaccine, Tripedia may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience problems. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects, if any. If adverse reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects seen with Tripedia include but are not limited to:
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, or redness.
(Click Tripedia Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Child's Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your child's healthcare provider before your child receives the Tripedia vaccine if he or she has:
- An immune-suppressing condition, such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- A bleeding disorder
- Had any sort of a reaction to any vaccine in the past
- A moderate or severe illness
- A brain or nervous system disorder
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about any medicines your child is taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Should Tripedia Be Stored?
Tripedia should be stored in the refrigerator; it should never be frozen.
The vaccine is available in 0.5-mL single-use vials. The vial stoppers are made of natural latex rubber, which may be a concern for individuals with latex allergies.
Is There a Generic Version of Tripedia?
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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