Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (abbreviated as DTP) vaccination is a combination jab that protects against three serious diseases. 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. Find out more about the DTP immunisation in the West Midlands to ensure your safety.
What does the DTP vaccination stand for?
Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTP) vaccine is recommended for children younger than 7 years old because it helps them build antibodies to three potentially fatal diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis).
Diphtheria:
A respiratory illness that can lead to trouble breathing, paralysis, heart failure, and ultimately death. It is extremely contagious and can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing.
Tetanus:
Aka lockjaw is caused by bacteria that can be found in soil. After it gets into the body, it releases a toxin that attacks the central nervous system. This toxin causes muscle tension and eventually death if it is 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?
Here is a recommended schedule for giving children their five doses of DTP immunisation.
- 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
At age 11, children are given a booster shot called Tdap, which protects them from these diseases during their teenage years and adulthood.
How often do you need to get the DTP shot?
Children aged 7–10 who have not yet received a full pertussis vaccination should receive a single dose of the Tdap vaccine. All children with an unknown or unclear vaccination history fall under this category.
If you are between the ages of 13 and 18 and have not yet received the DTP vaccine, you should have the full course, plus a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster dose every 10 years.
Even if a pregnant woman has been vaccinated previously, she should receive 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 protects the population from these diseases by reducing their transmission from one individual to the next. This immunisation rate also shields those with weakened immune systems who cannot get the vaccination.
Book your appointment at West Midlands Travel Clinic to get your DTP vaccination at your convenience.
