BOOSTRIX

Boostrix Injection is a bacterial vaccine classified under combination vaccines. It contains the active components of the Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) vaccine. This vaccine is primarily administered to protect children from a range of serious illnesses, including respiratory and skin infections, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, hepatitis B, and influenza.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that mainly targets the respiratory tract. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications involving the heart and nervous system.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, presents with intense, repeated coughing fits followed by a characteristic “whooping” sound during breathing. It poses a significant threat to infants and can result in pneumonia, seizures, and other life-threatening complications.
Tetanus, or “lockjaw,” is caused by a bacterial toxin that impacts the nervous system, leading to severe muscle stiffness, painful spasms, and potentially fatal complications if not managed promptly.

Important Precautions Before Vaccination:

Prior to receiving the Boostrix injection, inform your doctor if you or your child has any blood disorders such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia, which may cause easy bruising or extended bleeding even after minor injuries. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are currently taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, as this may influence how and where the vaccine is administered.

If your child has recently received a booster dose of a diphtheria or tetanus-containing vaccine—particularly within the last four weeks—administration of Boostrix should be delayed. Your doctor will refer to national immunization guidelines to determine the most appropriate timing for the next dose.

For individuals with a weakened or suppressed immune system—due to conditions such as HIV, cancer, or the use of immunosuppressive medications—the effectiveness of Boostrix may be diminished. In these cases, your doctor will carefully evaluate the benefits versus the risks and may suggest adjustments to the schedule or other protective strategies.

Avoid administering Boostrix if you or your child is currently suffering from a severe febrile (feverish) illness. During such illnesses, the immune system may already be compromised, which could reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness. Vaccination should be postponed until full recovery is achieved.

If there is a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)—a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks peripheral nerves—within six weeks of a previous tetanus-containing vaccine, consult your doctor. They will assess whether it is safe to proceed with Boostrix based on individual health history.

Use During Pregnancy and Booster Recommendations:

Boostrix is recommended during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester, as it helps pass protective antibodies to the fetus. This provides early immunity against whooping cough during the baby’s vulnerable first few months of life.

To ensure ongoing protection, booster doses are recommended later in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood as immunity can wane over time.

Boostrix is given as part of a scheduled series of doses beginning in infancy and continuing through early childhood, helping to build and maintain long-lasting protection against the targeted diseases.