DPT (DIPHTERIA-PERTUSSIS-TETANUS) VACCINE

Type of Vaccine:

Diphteria and Tetanus as “toxiods” which is a weakened toxin Pertussis as killed whole-cell bacterium

Form of Vaccine:

Liquid vaccine

Minimum Age at 1st Dose:

6 Weeks

Number of Doses to Complete the Immunization:

3

Reason:

An early start with DPT reduces the chance of severe pertussis

Number of Doses per Ampule:

20 or 10

Dosage:

0.5 ml

Route of Administration:

Intramuscular

Site of Administration:

• Upper outer portion of the thigh ( Vastus lateralis ) in infant ( R – L – R )
• Outer upper arm if older

Storage Temperature:

2 C to 8 C ( in the body of refrigerator ) Note: (“DT” component is damage by freezing, “P” component is damage by heat).

Side Effect:

• Fever in the evening after receiving the injection.
• Soreness, children may have pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.

Contraindication:

• DPT2 or DPT3 is not given to a child who has convulsions or shock within 3 days after DPT1.
• Vaccines containing the whole cell pertussis component should not be given to a children with an evolving neurological disease.

Health Teaching:

• If the child has fever give paracetamol or any appropriate antipyretic at the time and at four and eight hours after immunization.
• Alternating cold compress for 24 hours to warm compress if there is pain and soreness .

Giving DPT Vaccine

• Ask mother to hold the child across her knees so that her thigh is facing upwards. Ask her to hold child’s leg.
• Clean the skin with a cotton ball, moistened with water and let skin dry.
• Grasp the injection site with your thumb and index finger.
• Quickly push the needle, going deep in to the muscle.
• Slightly pull the needle back to be sure it is not into a vein.
• Inject the vaccine, withdraw the needle and press the injection spot quickly with a piece of cotton.