[Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine mortality].

Abstract

Although the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine is lifesaving through decades, it has been voiced that the vaccine is associated with 50% increase in mortality, an alleged negative non-specific vaccine effect prone to girls. Post hoc analyses of historical observational data supporting the hypothesis of the DTP vaccine having detrimental effects have never been replicated in low- or high-income countries. An RCT in Guinea-Bissau found fewer deaths with DTP vaccine than without. The hypothesis seems further rejected by the overall decline over time in child mortality in both girls and boys.