What is DPT/DT/TT given for?
DPT is a combination vaccine to protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough). DT protects against diphtheria and Tetanus and TT protects against tetanus. When is DPT given? 3 primary doses of DPT vaccine are given at 4 weeks interval starting at 6-8 weeks of age along with the 3 primary doses of oral polio vaccine. It is recommended routinely for each and every child. When are boosters of DPT given? First booster dose of DPT is given at the age of 15-18 months along with the 1st booster dose of OPV. Govt. of India under EPI recommends only DT as the second booster at the age of 4-6 years whereas Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends DPT and OPV as the 2nd booster at 4-6 years of age. Why do the recommendations differ from authority to authority regarding 2nd booster dose? Indian Academy of Pediatrics feels that the immunity against pertussis & poliomyelitis will wear off by 5 years as will happen for diphtheria & tetanus. This will lead to increased risk of whoopi
