DPT3 Vaccine : Report
According to the WHO and UNICEF estimates for national immunization coverage for 2022, the coverage rate for DPT3, the third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccines, in India rose to an all-time of 93% in 2022.
- DPT3 Vaccine is a class of combination vaccines against three infectious diseases in humans: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.
- The vaccine components include diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and either killed whole cells of the bacterium that causes pertussis or pertussis antigens.
- The primary dose of DPT provided as part of pentavalent vaccine and 2 booster doses are given at 16 -24 months and 5-6 years, respectively.
Diphtheria:
- It is an infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria, a bacterium.
- Diphtheria particularly affects children aged 1 to 5 years. In temperate climates diphtheria tends to occur during the colder months.
Tetanus:
- It is an infection caused by bacteria called Clostridium tetani.
- When these bacteria enter the body, they produce a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions.
- Tetanus bacteria are more likely to infect certain breaks in the skin
- It does not spread from person to person.
Pertussis:
- It is also known as whooping cough.
- It is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.
- Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system.
- The bacteria release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.
- It can spread easily from person to person through the air.
