Desensitization with DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine

Immunization with DTP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) is a part of the vaccination calendar offered in childhood. Adverse allergic reactions vary from minimal urticarial reactions to life-threatening anaphylaxis. In infancy these reactions usually interrupt the vaccination calendar, but immunization in these children should be done. At the University Children's Hospital of Belgrade, a group of 137 children with suspected allergic anaphylactic reaction to DTP, DT, TT and monopertussis vaccine was studied for the last six years. Skin (prick and intradermal) tests were performed with corresponding vaccine. If both tests were negative, the vaccine could be given as a single dose of 0.5 ml. If one of these tests were positive desensitization with vaccine could be done (according to the protocol described by Carey and Meltzer). In one group of 52 children three days before desensitization, premedication with antihistamines, was done, whereas in the other group of 52 children premedication was not done. Two (3.8%) children in a group of 52 children with premedication had a minor (local) reaction after vaccination and 50 children (96.2%) had no reaction after vaccination, whereas no children (0%) had systemic reaction after desensitization