DTP Vaccination (Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)
by jmmillerImmunization is necessary to protect your child from serious illnesses. Though you may have heard stories occasionally about the dangers of vaccines, the truth is that serious side effects are extremely rare. The chance of your child developing serious complications after being vaccinated is so tiny that it really isn’t an argument at all to keep your child from being immunized. Typically, the media only report on the cases with ’sensational’ stories; they don’t mention the thousands of lives that are saved every year through vaccination.
The DTP vaccination is recommended at two, four, and six months; one and a half years; and again between four and six years to protect your child from Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (whooping cough). There are two types of DTP vaccine; the newer DTaP and the original DTP vaccine. Either form is acceptable, although most parents are more comfortable with the new vaccine.
Before the Doctor administers a DTP vaccine, make sure they have performed a thorough check-up. Your child may experience one of these common reactions within 48 hours of vaccination:
- Loss of appetite
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Mild fever (under 104F rectally)
Baby Tylenol can help to treat a fever or pain that develops as a result of the immunization. If you child is excessively sleepy or difficult to wake; cries persistently for three hours or longer; develops a high fever (105F rectally); convulses, or becomes unusually limp or pale, call your Doctor’s office immediately.
To significantly reduce your child’s chances of experiencing one of the common side reactions to DTP, administer Baby Tylenol immediately after the injection. A warm compress on the injection site may also help to relieve the pain.
All in all, the DTP vaccination is an important tool to help your child stay healthy. As with all medications, you should discuss the benefits, side effects and risks of the vaccine with your child’s pediatrician until you are comfortable and confident that you are making the right choice for your child.
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