Tetraxim Vaccine
Tetraxim is a combined vaccine of French origin that provides simultaneous protection against four serious infections: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and poliomyelitis. Unlike whole-cell alternatives, Tetraxim contains an acellular pertussis component, which significantly reduces reactogenicity and makes the vaccine easier to tolerate. It is indicated for children from two months of age and is used for both primary immunisation and booster doses in accordance with the National Immunisation Schedule of Ukraine. At Doctor Sam Medical Centre, vaccination is carried out by a paediatrician following a preliminary examination of the child, with full compliance with vaccine storage requirements and safety protocols.
What does tetraxim protect against?
- Diphtheria – a bacterial infection that affects the airways and can cause suffocation due to the formation of a membrane in the throat. In severe cases, the toxin damages the heart and nervous system.
- Tetanus – a dangerous disease caused by bacteria that enter the body through any break in the skin. It causes severe muscle spasms, including the respiratory muscles. Without treatment, the fatality rate is extremely high.
- Whooping cough (pertussis) – a respiratory infection that is particularly severe in infants under 6 months: episodes of spasmodic coughing can lead to breathing stoppage. This is why vaccination begins as early as 2 months of age.
- Poliomyelitis – a viral infection that affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Thanks to vaccination, polio is considered eradicated in Ukraine – however, the risk of the virus being imported remains.
FAQ
How to prepare your child for vaccination
No special preparation is required for the Tetraxim vaccination, but a few simple steps can help make the experience easier.
Before your visit, make sure your child is well: no fever, no acute cold symptoms, and no flare-up of chronic conditions. Residual symptoms after a recent respiratory illness – mild runny nose or a slight cough – are not a contraindication for vaccination. There is no need to run tests beforehand: the paediatrician will assess whether your child is ready for the vaccine based on a physical examination.
It is best to feed your baby before leaving home – a full infant tends to handle the procedure more easily. If you are breastfeeding, you can nurse your baby during or immediately after the injection – this is very effective at calming them.
At home, have paracetamol or ibuprofen-based fever reducers ready in the correct dose for your child's weight – in case their temperature rises after the vaccination.
Reactions after vaccination – what is normal
Reactions following Tetraxim administration are an expected and normal immune response to the vaccine – a sign that the body is building protection. Typical local reactions include redness, mild swelling or tenderness at the injection site. These resolve on their own within a few days. There is no need to apply compresses, rub the injection site or use iodine – doing so may only increase irritation.
The most common general reactions are a temperature rise up to 38°C, mild lethargy, reduced appetite or irritability. Fever usually appears within the first 6–12 hours after vaccination and subsides within 1–2 days. Paracetamol- or ibuprofen-based fever reducers should be given not based on the thermometer reading alone, but when the child is clearly uncomfortable.
Contact your doctor if: the temperature exceeds 38.5°C and does not come down after two days; redness or swelling at the injection site increases after the third day; or the child develops seizures, vomiting, a rash, or loses consciousness. Serious reactions following vaccination are extremely rare – statistically, fewer than one case per million doses administered.
Tetraxim vaccination at Doctor Sam Medical Centre is carried out following a preliminary examination by a paediatrician. The doctor will assess your child's condition, answer all your questions and put together an optimal vaccination schedule. Call us: +380 97 312 92 91. Address: Kyiv, Kiltseva Road, 1, Respublika Park Mall.
