When a child is born, they are more prone to many infections due to their low immunity. However, their immune systems are still developing, and vaccinations play an essential role in strengthening babies' immunity.
The NIS (National Immunisation Schedule) lists compulsory and recommended vaccines that a child must receive. You can read about it in our article about Newborn Baby Vaccinations in India. The DPT vaccine is an essential part of a baby's vaccination schedule. This article will discuss the DPT vaccine, its benefits and risks, post-vaccination care, and more.
What is DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
Let us try to understand each of these three viruses individually before understanding the DPT vaccine to protect your baby against each of these. (1)
1. Diphtheria – One of the most dangerous infections for babies, Diphtheria is a life-threatening infection that can cause severe breathing problems and block the airway of your baby.
2. Tetanus – One can get infected by Tetanus at any age. Thus, it is recommended that even grown-ups keep taking a booster dose of Tetanus if they have a wound. Tetanus is a nerve disease that occurs when bacteria that produce a toxin infect an injury.
3. Pertussis – Also known as whooping cough, Pertussis has cough-like symptoms that can lead to severe breathing and coughing troubles. This infection usually affects kids below the age of 1 and can be life-threatening. Adults with cough and flu can also have the pertussis virus, which can be passed to infants; thus, the DPT vaccine is essential when recommended.
Why Should the DPT Vaccine Be Taken
The DPT vaccine is a series of 5 vaccines administered at different ages. (2) DPT vaccine is given at:
1. 6 Weeks
2. 10 Weeks
3. 14 Weeks
4. 16 – 18 Months
5. 5 Years
The only reason the DPT vaccine is given is to minimise and eventually eliminate the adverse effects or threats to life caused by these three diseases.
Should One Administer the DPT Vaccine To A Sick Child?
Infants and newborns are prone to frequent coughs and colds. However, this is not very serious. Thus, you might not need to delay the vaccination if your baby has a common cold. But your doctor would assess your baby's health and advise whether you can give the DPT vaccine.
Besides cold and cough, the doctor might delay the vaccine even if your baby has an allergic reaction to something. This is because if there is an allergic reaction to any of the chemicals in the DPT vaccine after administration, it would be difficult to assess whether it is a pre-existing allergy or a new one.
If this is not the first dose, your doctor will also ask whether you had any allergic reactions to the previous dose. If there are severe or profound side effects, it is advised not to give the next dose.
Risks Of the DPT Vaccine
There are some common post-vaccine symptoms that almost every child experiences. But, on the other hand, there are some serious, not-so-common side effects that a few babies experience. So let us have a look at those risks and symptoms.
Common Post-Vaccine Symptoms / Risks
- Redness, soreness and swelling in the injection area.
- Mild fever and irritable behaviour.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tiredness
- ▪ Extra hours of sleep and sluggishness
Uncommon Post-Vaccine Symptoms / Risks
- ▪ A seizure attack – This is not very common and happens in about one out of 14000 babies.
- ▪ Crying for more than three hours.
- ▪ High fever – higher than 105 degrees.
If any of the above-mentioned uncommon symptoms occur, immediately take your child to their paediatrician so they can assess the situation and provide further treatment.
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Post-Vaccine Care For Kids After the DPT Vaccine
Although pain-free options are available in the DPT vaccine, they are not 100% foolproof and can still cause soreness, pain, and fever in babies. The area where the injection was given may also show redness and swelling. A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad can help relieve the baby's pain.
If the baby is still cranky, ask your doctor to recommend a fever suppressant or a painkiller. The fever would still be managed with sponging, but the root cause—the pain — must be addressed to soothe the baby.
Feeding for comfort and babywearing also help post-vaccine. Vaccines are essential and must be administered, whether it be DTP or any other vaccine that is mandatory for Indian babies. But soothing your baby in pain is equally important.
Usually, the fever and pain are gone within 48 hours. These two days, keep patience, as there might be sleepless nights ahead. So, cuddle up, comfort-feed, and help your baby get through these difficult days with love!
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