What is the DTP vaccine

DTaP is the combination of diphtheria(D), tetanus(T) and acellular pertussis(aP). DTP is most widely used  against pertussis. It consists of a suspension of whole-inactivated Bordetella pertussis bacteria combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids adsorbed on to an aluminum salt.

The role of DTP vaccine

The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine protects against:

Diphtheria: a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing problems

Tetanus (lockjaw): a nerve disease that can happen at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound

Pertussis (whooping cough): a respiratory illness with cold-like symptoms that lead to severe coughing (the “whooping” sound happens when a child breathes in deeply after a severe coughing fit).

DTP vaccination time

All infants should receive 5 doses intramuscularly. The first three doses are given at 2,3 and 5 months including booster doses at 18 months and Standard 1.

DTP vaccine response

The general reaction after DTP vaccination is that after vaccination, some children will  have swelling, redness and pain.A small painless nodule may develop at the injection site – harmless. You can use a clean towel to wet and heat the compress.

Transient fever, headaches, malaise, rarely anaphylaxis. Neurological reactions are rare. Drink plenty of water to promote the excretion of metabolites in the body and lower body temperature, generally without special treatment. 

If the high fever does not go away or there are other symptoms of abnormal reactions, they should be promptly sent to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment, but antibiotics should not be given. This reaction generally can recover on its own after 1 to 2 days without treatment.

Precautions for DTP vaccine

When vaccinating DPT vaccine, you should pay attention to the following:

Before vaccination

1. The vaccine should be given when the child is healthy. It is best to take a bath the day before the child is vaccinated.
2. The dosage and the validity period of the vaccine should be carefully checked, and the vaccine should be fully shaken to register the immunization manual.
3. It cannot be used when there are lingering clots or sediments or the vaccine product has been frozen, and the penetrating note is unclear and expired.
4. Ask whether there is a medical history of contraindications, and ensure that immunized persons get vaccinated as much as possible.
5. 1% epinephrine must be prepared before injection for emergency use in anaphylactic shock.

After vaccination

1. Observe in the hospital for 30 minutes after vaccination before leaving.
2. Do not take a bath for the time being after vaccination, do not exercise vigorously within two to three days, keep the skin of the injection site clean, and do not let the baby catch a cold.
3. Don’t eat irritating things, drink more warm water, and eat fruits and vegetables.
4. If your child has abnormal reactions such as high fever, coma, convulsions, etc., you should take your baby to see a doctor in time.

References

1. Ben-Joseph, E. (Ed.). (2020, February). Your child’s immunizations: Diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis vaccine (dtap) (for parents) – nemours kidshealth. Retrieved February 20, 2021, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dtap-vaccine.html
2. Azzimawati, R. (2016, June 08). Immunisation schedule. Retrieved February 20, 2021, from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/immunisation-schedule/