Why should we get the DTP vaccine?

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person.  Tetanus enters

the body through cuts or wounds.

 DIPHTHERIA causes a thick covering in the back of  the throat.

It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.

 TETANUS (Lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all overthe body.

It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or

swallow.  Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

 PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard

for infants to eat, drink, or breathe.  These spells can last for weeks.

It can lead to pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring spells), braindamage, and death.

 Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP) can help prevent these diseases.  Most children who are vaccinated with DTaP will be

protected throughout childhood. Many more children would get these diseases if we stopped vaccinating.

 DTaP is a safer version of an older vaccine called DTP.  DTP is no longer used in the United States.

Children should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the

following ages:

  2 months

  4 months

  6 months

  15 to 18 months

  4 to 6 years

 DTaP may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

  Children with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated.  But

  children who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they

  recover before getting DTaP vaccine.

Any child who had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTaP

  should not get another dose.

 Talk with your doctor if your child:

   - had a seizure or collapsed after a dose of DTaP

   - cried non-stop for 3 hours or more after a dose of DTaP

   - had a fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit after a dose of DTaP.

Ask your health care provider for more information.  Some of these children

should not get another dose of pertussis, but may get a vaccine without

pertussis, called DT.