Introduction
DTaP stands for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Diphtheria and pertussis are contagious diseases that spread from one person to another, whereas tetanus infection invades the body through wounds and cuts. This vaccine is for children younger than seven (six weeks to six years of age). Vaccines such as Tdap and Td are available for older children and adults.
What Is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria, caused by corynebacterium diphtheria, is a bacterial infection. It attacks the respiratory system (mucus membrane of nose and throat), making breathing difficult. Symptoms most commonly associated are a swollen neck (bull neck), sore throat, barking cough, fever, and weakness. A thick, gray pseudo-coating in the nose and throat is a classical feature of diphtheria. It is spread by airborne droplets (cough or sneezes) or through saliva and other bodily fluids (discharge from eyes, nose, throat, or skin). The bacterium produces a toxin called exotoxin. After entering the bloodstream, these toxins can damage organs such as the kidney, heart, and nerves and may lead to paralysis, heart failure, and breathing problems.
What Is Tetanus?
Tetanus is a severe bacterial disease caused by Clostridium tetani, usually found in soil. Through cuts and wounds, the bacteria enter the body. After entering the body, it releases toxins that affect the nervous system, leading to spasms, muscle contraction, and maybe death.
It is also called lockjaw, as it affects the jaw and neck of the person, making it difficult to open the mouth (lock) and swallow. It also interferes with breathing and results in death.
What Is Pertussis?
Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is a tremendously contagious respiratory tract infection. This disease is more popularized by the name whooping cough or 100-day cough.
The bacteria attack the hair-like extension (cilia) that lines the upper respiratory tract. Here the bacteria release a toxin that damages them and makes the airway swollen. The disease has three stages: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescence. Pertussis can cause a violent, uncontrolled cough, which makes breathing difficult. Hence the name whooping cough. It can be contracted through the air (people sharing the same breathing spaces) or through droplets (cough or sneeze). It is dangerous for infants as it may lead to pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, and death.
Before the introduction of vaccines, these diseases were rampant. Vaccines play a significant role in preventing the disease by halting its spread. Even if today, a person does not get vaccinated against these diseases, the incidence of these three diseases would rapidly rise, affecting thousands of people.
When Is the DTaP Vaccine Indicated?
The DTaP vaccine is advised for infants and children to protect them against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. However, the reported cases have declined after the development of vaccines globally.
How Does the DTaP Vaccine Work?
This vaccine is a combination of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It consists of the following:
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Inactivated diphtheria toxoids.
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Inactivated tetanus toxoids.
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Acellular pertussis antigens.
The vaccine produces an active immune response by developing antibodies and antitoxins in the body against the toxoids and pertussis antigens.
What Is the Schedule of Administration?
The DTaP vaccine is a five-dose vaccine for children from six weeks to six years of age.
The dose is 0.5 milliliters given intramuscularly, either on the thigh or around the deltoid muscle.
The recommended routine dose are as follows:
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Two Months: The minimum age of the child should be six weeks.
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Four Months: The second dose should be administered at least four weeks after the first dose.
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Six Months: The third dose should be given at least four weeks after the second dose.
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15 to 18 Months: The minimum age of the child for the fourth dose is 12 months. After at least six months of the third dose, the fourth dose can be administered.
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Four to Six Years: The minimum age of the child for receiving the fifth dose is four years. There should be a minimum gap of six months between the fourth and fifth doses.
DTaP may be given as a stand-alone or as a part of a combination vaccine. In addition, it can be given along with the other vaccines simultaneously.
What Are the Adverse Effects of Administering the DTaP Vaccine?
Some of the common events associated with the DTaP vaccine include the following:
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Swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site.
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Fever, fuzziness, tiredness.
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Less common effects are seizures and hypotonic-hyporesponsive events.
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Brachial neuritis (rarely).
What Are the Contraindications of the DTaP Vaccine?
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Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis post the injection.
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Encephalopathy post-injection.
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Hypersensitivity to the vaccine.
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Fever or severe neurological disorders.
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Moderately or severely ill child.
Are DTaP and TDaP Vaccines the Same?
Both vaccines contain the inactivated form of bacterial toxins that causes the three diseases.
Inactivated means that the substance can no longer produce disease but triggers the immune response to create antibodies, thereby providing immunity against the toxins.
DTaP is a vaccine given to children under seven years of age to develop immunity against three deadly diseases (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis).
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) has a reduced dose of vaccine and is given as a booster immunization at the age of 11 and to adults between the age of 19 to 64 years.
Are There Any Dangers Associated With These Vaccines?
Like other vaccines, these vaccines have minor side effects. But the risk of experiencing a severe illness is rare. The most common problem seen after getting vaccinated is allergic reactions or hypersensitivity. But it is rarely seen among one in a million. Even though it is rare, if any signs and symptoms appear immediately, reach for medical help.
Following are the symptoms associated with:
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Wheezing.
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Paleness.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Hives.
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Weakness.
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Rapid pulse.
Common problems post-vaccination include:
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Fever.
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Redness or lump at the site of injection.
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Tiredness, headache, and vomiting.
These problems can occur anytime post-vaccination within one to three days and pass quickly.
Conclusion
DTaP is a combination vaccine that prevents us from three life-threatening diseases - diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It is given to children under seven and is administered in five doses at different intervals. On the other hand, Tdap is a booster dose to offer continued protection against these diseases. It is administered at eleven years and in adults between 19 to 64 years of age. Following proper immunizations and vaccinations protects the entire community and the nation.
