Does the technique of administering DPT vaccine affect the frequency of local reactions in immunizations?

Most research regarding adverse reactions to diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) immunizations has focused on severe systemic reactions. Little information is available relating to the cause, frequency of severity of local reactions (redness, swelling, pain) that occur in the majority of DPT recipients. This study determined that the method of injecting the DPT vaccine intramuscularly decreased the frequency of local reactions. Sixty-eight children receiving their third DPT immunization were enrolled in this single-blind, controlled study. The results indicated that local reaction were significantly reduced (p ? .10) when the DPT vaccine was administered by the z-track method of intramuscular injection with an air bolus following the vaccine using a dry, sterile 1" needle, as compared with other standard intramuscular techniques.