DPT VACCINE | IAS GYAN

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Context

The DPT vaccine is considered a marker for immunization coverage across countries. At 81 per cent now, it represents the “largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations’’ in 30 years, according to UN.
However, three million children in India missed DPT dose in 2020 because of pandemic: Unicef

About

The DPT vaccine or DTP vaccine is a class of combination vaccines against three infectious diseases in humans: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.

Background

Diphtheria causes an infection and a thick covering in the nose and throat. This can cause breathing problems, paralysis (unable to move), heart failure, and even death.
Tetanus (Lockjaw) happens when a wound like cut gets infected with tetanus bacteria (germ) often found in dirt. The bacteria in the wound creates a poison that causes muscles all over the body to spasm (tighten) painfully. This can cause the jaw to "lock" so your child cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus can also lead to death.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) causes very bad coughing spells which make it hard for your child to eat, drink, or breathe. These coughing spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia (lung infection), seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death.

How Does The DTP Vaccine Help?

The DTP vaccine is a combination vaccine that works against the three diseases and is made up of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. It also kills whole cells of the organisms that cause pertussis.
It should be noted that most children who get all their shots will are protected against these diseases during their childhood. The risk of getting these diseases will rise up again if children are not immunized.