The DTaP vaccine is one of the many compulsory vaccines for Malaysian children. It prevents the spread of three dangerous and life-threatening diseases: Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.
Read on to find out more about this vaccine and why it’s important for your baby.
DTaP Vaccine
The name of the vaccine is an acronym for the three diseases it was created to protect against: Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (or whooping cough).
It is a combination of three vaccines. According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the vaccine is administered to children under 7 years old, usually administered within 2 months after childbirth.
The DTaP vaccine is a toxoid vaccine, containing inactivated toxins or chemicals produced by the bacteria. The toxins trigger an immune response, resulting in protective antibodies.
The vaccines are combined to facilitate childhood vaccinations by reducing the number of shots your baby has to take. There are a total of five doses:
- 1st shot: 2 months
- 2nd shot: 4 months
- 3rd shot: 6 months
- 4th shot: 15 to 18 months
- 5th shot: 4 to 6 years
Immunity typically lasts up to 10 years.
The area of injection is typically in the deltoid region of the left arm.
Common side effects of DTaP vaccination includes soreness or swelling in the injection area, fever, fussiness, feeling tired, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis
All three diseases are bacterial infections, each with their own symptoms and risks.
Here are the common symptoms for each disease according to the World Health Organization:
Diphtheria: A bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria. Infections spread through droplets and contact.
Symptoms include difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death. It is more common in tropical regions and underdeveloped countries.
Tetanus: A muscular disease caused by Clostridium tetani. It is not transmissible unless from the environment (soil, dust, manure, rust).
Symptoms include muscle spasms, lockjaw, inability to breathe and death.
Pertussis: A respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Its tell-tale symptom is painful, uncontrollable coughs.
Victims experience difficulty eating, drinking and even breathing. Other symptoms include pneumonia, convulsions and brain damage.
Triple the Protection
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis can be really dangerous for children. Which is what makes vaccination against them more important for newborns and babies.
The DTaP vaccination can be potentially life-saving in the unfortunate case of an infection.
Remember to get your children vaccinated and to not miss any appointments, mummies. With the DTaP vaccination, your child will have triple the protection, ensuring a safe and happy childhood.
Source
- Azzimawati, R. (2016, June 8). Immunisation Schedule. PORTAL MyHEALTH. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/immunisation-schedule/
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Diphtheria. World Health Organization. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/diphtheria
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Pertussis. World Health Organization. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/pertussis#:~:text=Pertussis%2C%20also%20known%20as%20whooping,produced%20by%20coughing%20or%20sneezing.
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Tetanus. World Health Organization. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/tetanus#tab=tab_1
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!