Diphtheria and tetanus vaccine: a comparative study of reactogenicity.

One hundred and eighty children aged between four and six years were intensively followed-up after receiving diphtheria/tetanus vaccine. A daily diary was used as the method of assessment to elicit as many transient effects as possible. The results confirm the predicted profile of these vaccines with a high incidence of local effects but little general disturbance. The two vaccines used were essentially similar in results, showing a peak incidence of effects on Days 2-4 followed by a rapid decline in adverse effects. All the side effects reported were transient, self-limiting and did not require medical assistance.