DPT VACCINE

Diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine used in routine immunisation of children

Dosage Forms

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Suspension for injection

25 Lf Diphtheria toxoid;

6 Lf Tetanus toxoid;

10,000 million Bordetella pertussis in 20-dose vial (10 ml)

Uses

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  • Prevention of diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus in children

Dose and Duration

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Infants: 3 doses of 0.5 ml IM on the outer upper left thigh at 6, 10, and 14 weeks from birth

Minimum interval between doses is 4 weeks

Contraindications

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  • Previous severe reactions to DPT vaccine
  • Severe acute febrile illness (minor illness not contraindication)

Side Effects

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  • Mild reactions at injection site: swelling, pain, redness
  • Fever within 24 hours of the injection
  • Anaphylactic reactions
  • Seizures

Patient Instructions

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  • Do not apply anything to the injection site
  • A mild fever may develop within 24 hours of injection.

    Take paracetamol if necessary. Wiping the child with a cool sponge or cloth (with water at room temperature) is also good for reducing fever. If fever continues after 2 doses of paracetamol, report to health facility

Storage

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  • Store at 2–8°C (cold storage)
  • Do not freeze vaccine
  • Discard reconstituted vials after 6 hours

⚠️ Caution

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  • Do not mix with other vaccines in the same syringe
  • Do not give injection in the buttocks as this reduces vaccine efficacy
  • Shake vaccine before use so that it mixes properly