The DTP Vaccine – What Is It & Why Do You Need It?
The DTP vaccine is a combined immunisation against three highly infectious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. You should have the vaccination prior to departure if you are travelling to regions where these pathogens are widespread. Even if you were vaccinated as a child, you may need a booster dose. Get to know more about the DTP vaccine in the West Midlands and keep yourself protected.
What does the DTP vaccination stand for?
A diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTP) vaccine is recommended for children younger than 7 years old because it helps them build antibodies to those three potentially fatal diseases.
Diphtheria:
A respiratory illness that can lead to trouble breathing, paralysis, heart failure, and ultimately death. It is highly infectious and can be passed from person to person due to coughing and sneezing.
Tetanus:
Aka lockjaw – is caused by bacteria that can be found in soil. A toxin is secreted after it enters the body, and this toxin targets the central nervous system, leading to muscle tension and eventually death if not treated.
Pertussis:
A highly contagious illness that produces violent coughing spasms, making it impossible for newborns to feed, drink, or even breathe. As a result, it can cause pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, and even death.
At what age is the DTP vaccine given in the West Midlands?
The following is a recommended schedule for the administration of the DTP vaccine to children over the course of five doses.
First shot at the age of 2 months
Second shot at the age of 4 months
The third dose at 6 months of age
The fourth injection at 15 to 18 months of age
The fifth dose at 4 to 6 years of age
The Tdap vaccine is a booster shot administered to children at the age of 11 years, providing ongoing protection against the aforementioned diseases for teenagers and adults
In the West Midlands, how often do you need the DTP shot?
A single dose of the Tdap vaccine should be administered to children ages 7 through 10 years who have not been fully immunised against pertussis. This includes children who have never been vaccinated and whose immunisation history is uncertain.
Those between the ages of 13 and 18 years who have not yet had the DTP vaccine should receive the complete course and a booster shot of tetanus and diphtheria (Td) every 10 years.
Even if a pregnant woman has previously been vaccinated, she should still obtain the Tdap vaccine during the second trimester of each pregnancy.
A dosage of Tdap or Td is necessary to prevent tetanus infection in people who have gotten a deep cut or suffered a severe burn.
If you are going to travel to high-risk areas for diphtheria infection, then you should get a booster shot, even if you have already completed the childhood immunisation course.
Why do you need the DTP vaccine for travel?
DTP vaccination shields the population from such diseases by minimising their transmission from one person to the next. The vaccinated population even protects the immunocompromised people who have not received the vaccine for specific reasons.
Book your appointment at the West Midlands Travel Clinic to get your DTP vaccination before you travel.
