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D P T
VACCINE
What other names
is this vaccine known as ?
Triple Vaccine
Which diseases does this vaccine protect against
?
D = Diphtheria
P = Pertussis Whooping Cough
T = Tetanus
This vaccine protects your child against 3
dangerous / potentially life threatening illnesses.
What is
the vaccination schedule for this vaccine ?
The first dose is given at the age on 1.5 months and then
two more doses at monthly intervals are given. The fourth dose is
given at 1.5 years of age as a Booster. The vaccine is given at the
buttock of the child - however many Pediatricians choose to give it at
the thigh also. The thigh site tends to cause less pain and the
vaccine is somewhat more effective at this site.
What are the
usual side effects after vaccination ?
Out of the entire range of vaccines this is the only
villain vaccine for the child ( and the parents too ! ). It usually
causes some fever and in some children may cause some irritability and
crankiness. These usually last ½ - 1 day and get okay on their own. In
a good number of children it may cause a small , painless nodule (
swelling under the skin ) that may last some days / weeks. As long as
there is no pain or pus discharge from this nodule - please do not
bother or interfere with it. In some time it shall dissolve on its
own.
Paracetamol is usually prescribed for fever and
for the swelling you do some ice fomentation ( applying a piece of ice
wrapped in a handkerchief) at the injection site.
Are there any
serious side effects of the vaccine / are there some children where
this vaccine should NOT be given ?
In case a child has some mental / neurological / mind -
brain related problem that involves convulsions ( fits / fainting) or
other illnesses - you need to take your Pediatricians advice before
taking this vaccine. You should thus be alert in informing your
Pediatrician about such an illness.
In rare instances this vaccine
may cause convulsion ( fits / fainting ) , collapse , prolonged high
fever , blueness or whiteness of the skin. In these instances your
Pediatrician may advise you NOT to take DPT on the next date and take
DT instead.
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