DTP shot is given to immunize your child against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Your child may have mild to moderate reactions, but these do not pose a serious problem.DTP vaccination is one of the important vaccinations given to children. It provides immunity to children against the diseases like diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or whooping cough. Let us take look at the common concerns of parents related to DTP vaccination.
What is the DTP vaccine?
This shot is given to immunize your child against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).
Will my child have any reactions to this vaccine?
Your child may have mild to moderate reactions to the whooping cough vaccine, but these do not pose a serious problem. The most common reactions are: pain at the injection site, mild fever, irritability, swelling and redness at the site, drowsiness, loss of appetite and vomiting. Just to be on the safe side though, get your doctor to give your baby a thorough check-up to ensure that she is not developing an illness. Closely observe your baby for 72 hours after she has been vaccinated, and report any severe reactions to the doctor immediately. Tell your doctor about any previous reactions to the vaccine when the next DTP is scheduled.
When should I call my doctor?
You need to call the doctor if your baby has been crying in a high pitch continuously for more than three hours. Your baby may also be difficult to wake up and be unusually limp and pale. She may have convulsions and her rectal temperature could be higher than 104.9 degrees fahrenheit. Convulsions or changes in the level of consciousness are symptomatic of brain inflammation. These may not develop until after a week of the
immunization.
What is the schedule of DTP vaccination in India?
As per the
vaccination schedule prescribed by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), the first dose of DTP vaccination (DTP1) is given when the baby is 6 weeks old. The second dose (DTP2) is given in the subsequent month when baby is 10 weeks old and the third one (DTP3) is given when baby becomes 14 weeks old. The first booster dose (DTP B1) for the same is given between 15 to 18 months of a child’s age and the second booster dose (DTP B2) is given between 4 to 6 years of a child’s age. Although, you can vaccinate your baby as per the schedule prescribed by your baby’s paediatrician, you can use our
Vaccination Reminder to keep track of your baby’s vaccination due date.
What should do if I miss my baby’s DTP vaccination due date?
If you have missed your baby’s vaccination due date for
DTP vaccination, you can contact your baby’s paediatrician. He or she may schedule another date for giving DTP vaccination to your baby.
Is it alright to give DTP vaccination if the baby is ill?
If your child has fever or any other infection, your doctor may advice to postpone the vaccination. In this case your doctor may schedule the vaccination when your baby recovers from such illness. So, before taking an appointment for vaccination, make sure that you inform your doctor if your baby is coping with any illness. Your doctor may consider not postponing your child’s vaccination, if he or she is suffering from common illnesses like mild cold.
Vaccinating children is very important. Make sure that you follow your doctor’s advice thoroughly when it is about vaccinating your child. When you get your child vaccinated, your doctor will always tell you the tentative date for next vaccination. You must make a note of it and vaccinate your baby as per the schedule prescribed by your baby’s paediatrician without fail.
