DTP vaccine is a modern and reliable way to prevent various dangerous diseases. The vaccine is done so that the child does not get diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus. From the history of medicine it is known that at the beginning of the last century, every fifth child was ill with diphtheria, in half the cases the problem provoked a fatal outcome. 85% of patients died from tetanus. Currently, residents of countries not covered by universal vaccination still suffer from these diseases, which annually provokes the death of almost a quarter of a million people. In addition, up to 95% of the world's population suffered pertussis before the DTP vaccine appeared in doctors ’arsenal. This disease is especially dangerous for young children and can also cause complications, death.
Do I need this?
The development of the DTP vaccine has helped tame a global epidemic. Infectious diseases, from which she saves, in recent years are much less common than decades ago. At the same time, a surprising situation, as many believe, is observed: whole movements of activists are created against the use of vaccines. Parents believe that immunization can only harm the child, and the risks associated with it are not worth the candle, because the diseases that the vaccine should protect against are already defeated. Unfortunately, everything is not as simple as we would like to believe.
DTP vaccine is an adsorbed vaccine that allows you to simultaneously protect a child from three terrible diseases at once. It is intended to prevent both pathologies and consequences, complications to which they can lead. Currently vaccinated in most countries of our world. The basic components are tetanus toxoids, purified diphtheria toxoids, inactivated pertussis elements.
In our country, vaccination (vaccine) of DTP is of two types: manufactured by domestic pharmaceutical enterprises and imported. Both options were widely used. The first one is cheaper and easier to get, but foreign products seem more reliable to many.
How it works?
The main idea of the DTP vaccine: vaccination activates the child’s immune system, provoking a specific response. In the future, if a baby encounters infectious agents, the immune system will immediately recognize the source of danger and destroy it before a serious infection occurs. Almost immediately after the introduction of the combined composition of toxins into the body, the elements of the microbes begin an activity similar to the scenario of the development of the disease, which means that protective factors, phagocytes, antibodies, interferons are activated. As shown by long-term observations, this effect allows you to get a stable, reliable immunity, so in the future children of infection will not be scary.
When choosing which DTP vaccine is best, there are two main types to consider:
The first option includes whooping cough in the form of antigens that have previously passed the cleaning procedure, as well as tetanus toxoids, diphtheria. All these molecules will be the sources of the immune response, which means that in case of collision with the pertussis component, side reactions will be minimal. When choosing which DTP vaccine is best from this category, it is worth taking a closer look at Pentaxim and Infanrix drugs.
Cellular - these are the variants of DTP, which include dead pertussis bacteria, toxoids (diphtheria, tetanus). In general, this form often provokes side effects, and their severity is more significant than when choosing the option described above.
Everything has its time
Regardless of whether Russian or imported DTP vaccine (Pentaxim or Infanrix) is used, the procedure will be effective only if it is done according to the established schedule. It was developed by scientists who analyzed the characteristics of the response of young children to pathogens.
For the first time, an injection is made at the age of three months. This early period is explained by the specificity of the dependence of childhood immunity on maternal masturbation: for the first 60 days from the moment of birth, antibodies transmitted by the mother are present in the baby’s body, but after this time the protection disappears.
An initial injection can be done by choosing the Russian DTP vaccine, but you can stop at the import option. Whatever decision was made, parents should be aware of the possibility of a child's reaction to the administered composition. On average, domestic drugs often lead to a negative response.
For the first time, the use of DTP vaccine is indicated for children under four years of age. If at this point the injection has not yet been made, the child is prescribed vaccination with ADS.
Continuing the course
If the drug was used on time, the next step is to achieve 4.5 months (the administration of the DTP vaccine is indicated 45 days after the initial injection). At the same time, the response from the immune system is enhanced. To minimize the negative consequences, it is reasonable to use the same drug that was used for the first time. Doctors pay attention: if the first injection provoked an atypically strong negative reaction, for repeated use a composition that does not include elements of whooping cough.
The third stage of vaccination is at the age of six months. As medical practice shows, even good DTP vaccines at this step usually cause a fairly strong reaction of the child's body.
The last step is one and a half year old. This injection is tolerated by most children without difficulty, severe reactions develop extremely rarely.
To maintain the formed immunity, it is necessary from time to time to additionally introduce the drug into the body. Both imported and domestic vaccines can be used. DTP is indicated at the age of six and fifteen. You need to remember: only following all the instructions of the manufacturer and the doctor, as well as the schedule, is the key to the effectiveness of the program.
Preparation stage
In order not to encounter complications of the DTP vaccine, it is reasonable to properly prepare the child before the injections. In particular, it is possible to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction if you stop using vitamin D a few days before the injection. Immediately before the event, the baby is given allergy medications (antihistamines), as well as calcium gluconate. Medication is continued for four days after vaccination.
Whatever DTP vaccine is used - French, Belgian, domestic - it can cause high fever. To alleviate the condition of the child, a couple of hours after the administration of the drug, compounds that reduce heat are used.
Doses of all drugs used in preparation for vaccination and during the program should be selected by the doctor, focusing on the condition of the child, individual characteristics, and the specific reaction of the body.
The nuances of vaccination
The instructions for use of the DTP vaccine (of any manufacturer) indicate that a single dose of the drug is 0.5 ml. Before starting the procedure, the ampoule is heated to the temperature of the human body, then mixed until the substance becomes homogeneous.
If it was not possible to make a second injection in a timely manner, you will have to enter the drug, as soon as the condition of the child allows it. The process of management should be carried out according to the standards of hygiene, sanitation, aseptic, antiseptic. If the ampoule was opened, but for some reason it was not possible to use the medication, it must be disposed of. Storage of the substance in an opened ampoule is strictly unacceptable.
If the child has already had pertussis, the composition of the DTP vaccine is not suitable. Instead, an ADS drug is used.
It is important to follow the rules of use and be careful when choosing a medication. A medicine is not used for injection if the shelf life of the product has expired, the integrity of the ampoule is broken or the substance was stored in the wrong conditions, different from those recommended by the manufacturer. DTP should not be used if the drug is packaged in unlabeled ampoules or the inside contents has acquired a certain shade, a precipitate has appeared that does not dissolve during the manipulations described above.
Application subtleties
Immediately after administration of the drug, this fact is recorded in a special account book. The nurse responsible for the procedure indicates the date of the procedure, indicates the composition of the DTP vaccine, drug manufacturer, expiration date, series, number of the particular composition used.
The injection must be done in muscle tissue. When administered correctly, the compounds are rapidly absorbed, and the response from the immune system is formed correctly. Before the introduction of the composition, the skin area where the injection is planned to be disinfected with alcohol. At the age of less than six months, the DTP vaccine should be administered according to the instructions in the femoral muscle. For older children, the recommended other localization of the injection is the brachial deltoid muscle.
If possible, avoid introducing the drug into the gluteal muscle tissue. There is a high risk of damage to the sciatic nerve, even if the event is conducted by an experienced nurse.
An injection is made: what next?
After the introduction of the vaccine, DTP is left for half an hour in the clinic. If the use of the drug provokes a severe allergic reaction, doctors will immediately be able to provide qualified help to the baby. After that, parents with the child are released. Once at home, you need to give the child a pill from the heat. Medications containing paracetamol are recommended. Syrups are suitable for young children, but candles can be used. No need to wait until the temperature rises - the drug is used an hour or two after the vaccine is administered. Shortly before bedtime, you can give your baby remedies that stop inflammatory processes (they can be provoked by the administration of the DTP vaccine). Names of the most popular:
If the introduction of the vaccine has caused a fever, it is wise to stop walking for a while. On the day of drug administration, massage and water procedures should be avoided. Parents should monitor the condition, behavior of the child, check the temperature.
Revaccination
Since diseases that prevent DTP are dangerous not only for children, but also for adults, it is necessary to periodically re-come to injections. This will allow you to control the concentration of antibodies in the circulatory system. As can be seen from the reviews, doctors recommend the DTP vaccine only for children, but DDS-M will have to do every decade from 24 years old. This is because pertussis is safe for a healthy adult.
Having decided to neglect the next administration of the drug, thereby a person exposes himself to an increased risk of contracting an infectious disease. However, even if you have to deal with a pathogen, the disease will be transferred in a mild form if the DTP vaccine was delivered in the past. The reviews confirm that following the schedule recommended by specialists helps prevent significant health problems, costing little blood.
Negative consequences: what to prepare for?
The type of DTP vaccine is reactogenic. This group includes medication, because short-term adverse reactions are observed in nine out of ten children who received the drug. The effects are local, but there may be systemic responses. Advantageously, adverse effects are observed in the first three days after the substance is introduced into muscle tissue.
If negative reactions appeared after this period, the reason is not the DTP vaccine, but some other factors. Which ones, the doctor will be able to say, will have to make an appointment and show the sick child.
Normal, adequate, undesirable effects of a vaccine formulation:
- heat;
- soreness of the injection area;
- violation of the functionality of the limb into which the drug is introduced.
Against the background of vaccination, fever can last up to three days. Almost all people who receive an injection encounter this reaction of the body, so doctors recommend that you foresee the consequences in advance and stock up with preparations containing paracetamol. They are given already an hour or two after the administration of DTP. If the temperature has risen to a level of 38 degrees, but not more, before going to bed, you can use candles from the heat. If this threshold is exceeded, special syrups can help stop the inflammatory processes that the DTP vaccine can cause. The names of popular remedies have been mentioned above. Most often resort to "Nurofen".
Consequences and methods for their elimination
If the site of the vaccine is painful, swollen, redness of the skin, disturbs, it is reasonable to use an alcohol compress. This will reduce unpleasant manifestations, will not bring harm and will not reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
Violation of the functionality of the limb due to the small muscle mass of the child. For this reason, the medication resolves rather poorly (in comparison with the processes taking place in the adult body). Therefore, the DTP vaccine can cause temporary limping, soreness when walking. To alleviate the negative manifestations, it is reasonable to wipe the affected areas with a heated towel, gently massage the leg.
Against the background of an injection, the child may feel weak, complaining that his head hurts. Perhaps a violation of stool, sleep. Some kids become tearful, irritable and very moody. To some extent, negative consequences from the gastrointestinal tract can be prevented if you do not feed the baby an hour and a half before the composition is administered and as much time after the procedure. If loose stools are observed, the child is given safe sorbents that are approved for use at a young age. Most often resort to activated carbon or Smecta, but you can use Enterosgel.
Some kids lose their appetite, refuse to eat, while others are coughing. This reaction is more often explained by the pertussis element, introduced together with other substances. The cough runs out in a few days (up to four) after the introduction of the substance. If the manifestation worries longer, it makes sense to show the child to the doctor. This is probably due to infection not related to the injection.
Finally, allergic reactions, including a rash, are possible. Skin manifestations disappear after a few days. If the treated area is very itchy, antihistamines can be used.
Vaccination and reaction
All answer options are divided into three categories:
In the first case, the child feels unwell, the temperature rises to the level of low-grade. With an average response, the state of health is clearly poor, but the temperature is no higher than 38 degrees. The child does not behave as usual. The most difficult scenario is a difficult response to vaccination. The kid does not eat, is apathetic, and the temperature rises to 39 degrees. If the heat reaches 40 degrees and above, in the future, DTP is not used, instead of it, DTP is chosen.
Doctors pay attention that after the next injection, the reaction to the medication is usually somewhat weaker on the part of the body as a whole, but local manifestations will be more disturbing from time to time. The most unpleasant consequences are caused by the third introduction, but the fourth is most easily tolerated.
Complications
It is known that DTP can cause serious consequences for children's health. In such a situation, urgent help from a qualified doctor is needed. From the observations it was established reliably that the vaccine can provoke:
- dermatitis;
- angioedema;
- pressure reduction;
- violation of the blood supply to vital organs;
- anaphylactic shock;
- convulsions that are not accompanied by fever (indicates damage to the nervous system).
You can notice a decrease in pressure if the skin turns pale, the limbs are cold, and the child feels weak.
There are signs that suspect encephalitis. Statistics show that the risk of such consequences is one in 300,000 cases. Manifestations:
- prolonged crying (up to 4 hours);
- cone formation at the injection site (size - more than 8 cm in diameter);
- heat up to 40 degrees and above, not reduced by special preparations.
One of the half million who have been vaccinated develops inflammatory processes in the brain and spinal cord.
Strongly impossible!
For DTP, a list of contraindications is known. Neglect of them can cause the development of a severe response of the body, so it is important to take into account the established restrictions. A list of contraindications manufacturers must publish in the instructions for use of the drug. The parents and the nurse responsible for the procedure should read it.
It is unacceptable to give injections with the following features of the condition of the child:
- tuberculosis;
- severe immunodeficiency;
- severe CNS disorders;
- clotting problems;
- in the past, a severe allergic response to the vaccine;
- convulsions in a medical history;
- hepatitis (in any form);
- hypersensitivity to one of the compounds used in the manufacture of the vaccine.
You can not do the DTP vaccine if, with the last injection, the composition provoked fever up to 40 degrees or more or caused a large cone to appear at the injection site (8 cm in diameter or more).
All of these contraindications are absolute, should be taken into account without fail, and withdrawal, if any, should be lifelong.
Relative contraindications are possible, in which the procedure for introducing the vaccine is shifted for two to three weeks. These include:
- acute infectious diseases;
- heat;
- exacerbation of a chronic disease;
- signs of poisoning;
- epigastric pain, stool disorder;
- loss of appetite;
- severe stressful situations.
The vaccine is not given if the child's teeth are cut.
Types of drugs
Most often, a planned procedure is carried out using a domestic drug. It is more affordable, there is in any city in our country, and the price is relatively low. However, parents have the right to choose: you can purchase an imported drug. DTP vaccine is on sale under the following names:
- ADS.
- DTP.
- Pentaxim.
- Infanrix.
Each of the compositions has its own unique features. It is believed that imported products are more easily tolerated by the body and are less likely to provoke side effects.
DTP
The basis of this tool is no less than a hundred billion pertussis sticks in inactivated form. Diphtheria toxoid is present in an amount of 15 flocculating units, and tetanus is three times less. The manufacturer introduced an auxiliary compound - merthiolate.
DTP is currently not sold in retail pharmacies, so the free purchase of the composition is impossible. The substance is manufactured by a domestic pharmaceutical manufacturer. DTP is available in ampoules containing a suspension of a white, slightly grayish tint. The substance is intended for insertion into the muscle. The manufacturer draws attention to the fact that normal formation of a cloudy precipitate is possible, with agitation, it dissolves in the total mass.
Infanrix
The medication is also available in the form of a suspension introduced into the muscle of the child. The drug was developed by a Belgian pharmaceutical company, packaged in disposable ampoules. Each container contains 0.5 ml of medication. Infarix is suitable for both primary and revaccination. The manufacturer indicates the possible negative consequences of the use of the substance:
- fever (within three days);
- runny nose;
- swelling, redness of the skin at the injection site;
- tearfulness;
- apathy;
- sore ENT organs;
- impaired functionality, discomfort in the limb into which the substance was injected;
- allergy.
At least one of these side effects develops in nine out of ten children vaccinated for the first time.
To alleviate the condition of the child, soon after the administration of the drug, they give injections heat-removing agents and antihistamines. If the injection site swells and swells, compresses help.
It is forbidden to use the composition if:
- fever;
- infectious disease detected;
- in the history of the disease there is a mention of severe pathologies;
- teeth are being cut.
Recently, quite a lot of combination drugs have been developed that simultaneously provide protection against four or even more types of diseases. Popular are Infanrix IPV, Infanrix Hexa. The first allows you to prevent not only the diseases from which DTP rescues, but also polio, and the second also protects against hemophilic bacillus, hepatitis B.
Pentaxim
This analogue of the Russian DTP vaccine is produced by a French pharmaceutical company. In addition to tetanus, diphtheria toxoids and pertussis components, the medication also has hemagglutinin, three varieties of polio strains (dead virus particles). The remedy in appearance is a suspension of a cloudy white hue. In the package there is simultaneously a syringe with this composition and a hemophilic component in which tetanus toxoid is interfered. Right before the procedure, the nurse studies the instructions for the tool, mixes all the substances, following the instructions of the manufacturer, and introduces the composition to the child.
Like other DTP vaccines, Pentaxim can cause adverse effects, such as:
- redness of the skin, swelling, tightening at the injection site;
- fever that lasts up to three days;
- tearfulness;
- irritability;
- allergy;
- when placing the vaccine in the leg - short-term lameness;
- loss of appetite.
From statistics it is known that severe negative effects on the background of the use of the French drug are very rare. All the side effects that it causes are easily eliminated by antihistamines, antipyretic. In order not to provoke deterioration, you should spend several days at home, avoid water procedures.
ADS
For four-year-old children and older people, it is recommended to use this particular release option. It contains components of tetanus and diphtheria, but there is no pertussis, since by the age of four children mainly already have immunity to the pathogen. Vaccination is needed to strengthen and prolong the ability of the immune system to defend itself against tetanus and diphtheria infectious agents. Injections are done at 7 and 15 years old, after which they are repeated at ten-year intervals all their lives. It is known from medical practice that the negative side effect of the drug is a slight reddening of the skin in the area of administration, but more severe reactions do not develop. ADS is very well tolerated.