Risk of life threatening apnoea after immunisation

Studies have implicated the whole cell pertussis component of DTwP with significantly more reactions and raised C reactive protein after immunisation with DTwP than after separate diphtheria, Hib, and tetanus toxoid vaccines alone. 2- 4 Current opinion for immunisation of preterm infants suggests cardiorespiratory monitoring for up to 48 hours post-immunisation rather than postponement of immunisation; 1, 2 however, recommendations for future immunisations in infants who have had an episode of apnoea or bradycardia are unclear.