DPT immunization is a vaccine given to protect children from diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. This vaccine needs to be given before the child is 1 year old. Not only protecting, the DPT vaccine can also prevent complications caused by these three diseases.
Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are three different diseases that are very dangerous to health. These three diseases caused by bacterial infections can lead to serious complications and even death if left untreated by a doctor.
Therefore, the government includes DPT immunization as one of the complete basic immunizations that must be obtained by children before the age of 1 year.
Knowing Diseases That Can Be Prevented by DPT Immunization
Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus enter the body in different ways. A person can get diphtheria and pertussis when he accidentally inhales or is exposed to splashes of saliva released by the patient when coughing and sneezing.
Meanwhile, the tetanus bacteria can enter the body through wounds on the skin, such as wounds caused by nails and needles or wounds from animal bites. The following is a further explanation of the three diseases:
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Corynebacterium diptheriae. This disease attacks the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.
Although it does not always cause symptoms, this disease is usually characterized by the appearance of a thick gray membrane or layer that covers the throat and tonsils of the sufferer.
The bacteria that cause diphtheria produce a toxin that can damage the tissues in the nose and throat. In fact, this poison can also spread through the bloodstream and cause damage to various organs of the body.
Pertussis
Pertussis or whooping cough is caused by bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which is highly contagious. This bacterial infection causes inflammation of the respiratory tract.
To fight the pertussis bacterial infection, the body produces a lot of mucus in the throat. This is what causes pertussis sufferers often cough with phlegm.
If left untreated, pertussis can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, nosebleeds, brain hemorrhage, lung disorders, and even death.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a disease caused by infection Clostridium tetani, a bacterium that is commonly found in soil and animal waste. These bacteria can enter the body through wounds on the skin.
When entering the body, the tetanus bacteria will attack the nerves that control the muscles. This causes people with tetanus to experience stiffness or spasms in the muscles of the jaw, neck, chest, and abdomen.
Untreated tetanus can lead to a number of serious complications, such as respiratory problems, pneumonia, and brain damage due to a lack of oxygen supply. In fact, the risk of fractures can occur when the sufferer experiences severe seizures.
Giving DPT immunization can prevent the occurrence of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. Even if infected, children who have received DPT immunization will experience milder symptoms than children who are not immunized.
Giving DPT Immunization
Based on the immunization schedule issued by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), primary DPT immunization is given 3 times and additional DPT immunization or booster as much as 2 times.
The following is the dose and schedule for giving DPT immunization to children:
- Doses 1–3 are given when the child is 2, 3, and 4 months old or 2, 4, and 6 months old at a dose of 0.5 ml each.
- Fourth dose or booster The first dose is given as much as 0.5 ml when the child is 18 months old.
- Fifth dose or booster A second dose of 0.5 ml is given when the child is 5–7 years old.
- Dose booster can then be given to children when he is 10-18 years old. Boosters Tetanus and diphtheria vaccines can also be given again every 10 years.
If the child is sick, the DPT immunization can be postponed until his condition improves.
Children need to get the entire dose of DPT immunization that has been determined. If you accidentally miss a dose of an immunization, go to the nearest health facility to receive the missed dose.
Side Effects of DPT Immunization
All types of immunization can indeed cause side effects, including DPT immunization. However, these side effects are usually mild and harmless, such as swelling and pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, and decreased appetite.
To relieve pain at the injection site, you can compress the area with a damp cloth. You can also give fever-reducing medication if your child has a fever after immunization.
In addition, avoid wearing clothes or blankets that are too thick for children after immunization, because this can actually trap heat in the body and make the fever not go down.
In very rare cases, DPT immunization can cause severe allergic reactions in children, ranging from high fever, swelling of the face or throat, seizures, to decreased consciousness.
If the child experiences side effects that do not go away or an allergic reaction after DPT immunization, immediately take him to the doctor or the nearest health facility for help.
If necessary, consult a doctor first before carrying out DPT immunization, especially if your child suffers from a disease or has certain medical conditions.