dTaP/IPV (4 in 1) vaccine - Safety and effectiveness
Does the vaccine have any side effects?
Millions of doses of the vaccine have been given and it has a very good safety record.
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and do not last long, and not everyone gets them.
Vaccine side effects are minor compared to getting seriously ill from the diseases.
The most common side effects include:
- pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- tiredness
- diarrhoea, and
- fever.
Very rare side effects from the vaccine include:
- allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives (a raised, itchy rash), difficulty breathing or swallowing, and feeling dizzy.
Rarely, people can have a severe reaction soon after the vaccination, which causes breathing difficulties and may cause them to collapse. This is called an anaphylactic reaction, and it can also happen with other medicines and food. These reactions are extremely rare, affecting less than one in a million people. Staff who give vaccinations are trained to manage these reactions.
People who have an anaphylactic reaction can be successfully treated and usually recover within a few hours.
You can find reports of all side effects in the patient information leaflet for the vaccine. For more information on side effects, go to:
If your child’s symptoms get worse or if you are concerned, contact NHS 111 Wales by calling 111 or your GP surgery. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online at Yellow Card, by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
What should I do if my child feels unwell after the vaccination?
A dose of the correct-strength liquid paracetamol may help reduce your child’s fever. Read the instructions on the bottle very carefully and give the correct dose for your child’s age. You may need to give another dose four to six hours later. Liquid paracetamol is not recommended before vaccination to prevent a fever.
Remember – children under 16 should not take medicines that contain aspirin.
If you are worried about your child after the vaccination you should speak to your health visitor, GP or practice nurse. You can also contact NHS Wales by calling 111. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
Can my child still get these diseases if they are vaccinated?
The 4-in-1 vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of these diseases, even if you or your child are vaccinated.
More information about diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio is available.
Page last reviewed: 17th October 2025