DIPTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS (DPT) VACCINE

Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine is a combination bacterial vaccine approved by the U.S. FDA on 17th December 1991. It is indicated to prevent three infectious diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

The Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus bacteria. These antibodies help to protect against future infection by these bacteria.

The Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm. The specific dosage and number of injections required can vary depending on the patient's age and vaccination history. For infants, the vaccine is typically given in three doses, with the first dose administered at birth or shortly after that and the second and third doses given at 1-2 months and six months of age.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine are diarrhoea, vomiting, high temperature, headache, nausea and swollen joints. Some serious side effects also include lack of consciousness, fits, rashes, blisters, difficulty swallowing and sudden drop in blood pressure. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.

Do not use this vaccine if your child has an acute severe febrile illness because the immune system may already be compromised due to the illness, and receiving a vaccine during this time may not provide an optimal immune response. So, the vaccination should be delayed until you or your child has recovered completely. Suppose you or your child has experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome(a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves) within six weeks of a previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine. In that case, your doctor will evaluate the situation and decide whether this vaccine should be given. This vaccine during pregnancy allows protection to be passed on to the child in the womb to protect from whooping cough during the first few months of life. Booster doses are recommended in later childhood and adulthood to maintain protection. The Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine is administered in a series of doses during infancy and childhood to provide long-lasting immunity against the disease.

Before vaccinating, inform your doctor if you or your child has any problems with the blood that causes easy bruising, prolonged bleeding after minor cuts (e.g., hemophilia or thrombocytopenia) or if you are on blood-thinning medications. They will evaluate and determine the appropriate course of action regarding vaccination. If your child has taken a booster dose of diphtheria and tetanus vaccine within the last four weeks, the administration of this vaccine should be deferred. Your doctor will refer to official recommendations to determine the appropriate timing for the next vaccination. Suppose you or your child has a weakened or compromised immune system due to conditions like HIV infection, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications. In that case, the immune response to the Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine may be reduced. In such cases, your doctor will assess the risks and benefits of vaccination and may recommend alternative strategies or timing.

Your doctor or nurse will administer the vaccine intramuscularly, not intravenously, into the buttocks, or subcutaneously. In patients with blood clotting disorders, subcutaneous injection may be considered, though this approach may result in increased local side effects, including a small nodule at the injection site. If you have concerns regarding vaccination, discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Store the Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) vaccine in a refrigerator between 2°C–8°C. Do not freeze.

Package leaflet: Information for the user REPEVAX- medicines. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5580.pdf (Accessed: 15 May 2023). Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) Vaccine, Package leaflet. Information for the user. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/74035/download (Accessed: 15 May 2023).