DPT Vaccine Injection

• Type: Combination vaccine

• Components:

  • D – Diphtheria toxoid (provides immunity against diphtheria)

  • P – Pertussis antigen (provides immunity against whooping cough)

  • T – Tetanus toxoid (provides immunity against tetanus)

• Form: Sterile suspension for intramuscular (IM) injection

How It Works

• The vaccine contains inactivated toxins (toxoids) for diphtheria and tetanus, and killed or acellular pertussis components.

• When injected, it stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against all three diseases.

• This creates long-term protection by “training” the immune system to respond quickly if exposed to these infections in the future.

Common Uses

• Routine immunization of infants and children to prevent diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.

• Part of national immunization programs worldwide.

• Often given as part of combination vaccines (like DTP, DTaP, or pentavalent vaccines).

Schedule (Typical for Children)

• Primary series: 3 doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age

• Booster doses: Usually at 15–18 months and again at 4–6 years

• Adult booster doses are given every 10 years (as Td or Tdap) to maintain immunity

Advantages

• Protects against three serious diseases in a single shot

• Reduces risk of life-threatening complications like diphtheria airway obstruction, tetanus muscle spasms, and severe pertussis in infants

• Key component of global child health programs

Possible Side Effects

Mild and Common:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site

• Fever

• Irritability or fussiness in infants

• Temporary loss of appetite

Less Common but Important:

• Persistent crying (>3 hours)

• Febrile seizures (rare, usually harmless)

• Allergic reactions (very rare)

Precautions

• Should not be given to children with a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a component of the vaccine

• If there was a history of severe neurological reaction (like encephalopathy) after a prior dose, pertussis component may be omitted (DT vaccine used instead)

• Postpone vaccination in case of moderate or severe illness with fever until recovery