ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE Injection

What is ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE

The Adsorbed Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus Vaccine is a combination vaccine used to protect individuals, primarily children, against three life-threatening bacterial infections: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.

• Diphtheria: A serious infection affecting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, potentially leading to breathing problems, heart failure, or death.
• Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough, it is a highly contagious respiratory disease marked by severe coughing fits.
• Tetanus: Commonly called lockjaw, it causes painful muscle stiffness and can be fatal without treatment.

This vaccine is adsorbed onto an aluminum salt to enhance the immune response and is usually administered intramuscularly. It is part of routine immunization schedules recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health authorities.

The 7.5 ml vial presentation is typically a multi-dose vial used in healthcare settings for multiple patients during immunization campaigns or in pediatric clinics.

How to use ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE

The vaccine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional following standard immunization protocols. Here's how it's typically used:

• Route: Intramuscular injection, usually in the anterolateral thigh (for infants) or deltoid muscle (for older children).
• Dosage Form: The 7.5ml vial is a multi-dose vial; each individual dose is typically 0.5 ml.
• Age Group: Commonly given to infants starting at 6 weeks of age and followed by subsequent booster doses.
• Schedule: The primary series usually involves three doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, followed by booster doses at 15-18 months and 4-6 years.

Administration tips:

• Shake well before use to ensure a homogeneous suspension.
• Use aseptic technique and a sterile syringe for each dose.
• Do not inject intravenously or subcutaneously.

Ensure the child is not experiencing any acute illness or fever before vaccination. Inform caregivers about possible mild side effects such as local pain or low-grade fever.

Mode of Action ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE

This vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to develop protection (antibodies) against the bacteria that cause diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

• Diphtheria and Tetanus: The vaccine contains toxoids—detoxified versions of the toxins produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Clostridium tetani. These toxoids cannot cause disease but trigger the immune system to develop antibodies.
• Pertussis: The whole-cell pertussis component contains inactivated Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which helps the immune system recognize and fight the real pathogen upon exposure.

The aluminum salt adjuvant acts as an immune enhancer, prolonging antigen exposure to help create a stronger and longer-lasting immune response.

After administration:

• The body recognizes the vaccine components as foreign substances.
• It produces specific antibodies that circulate in the blood.
• If the person is later exposed to any of the bacteria, their immune system will recognize and attack them rapidly, preventing infection or reducing severity.

This mechanism of action underlies the vaccine’s efficacy in preventing these three serious diseases, particularly in infants and young children.

ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE Interactions ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE

While vaccines are generally safe and do not interact significantly with other medications, there are a few considerations with the DPT vaccine:

• Immunosuppressive Therapy: Corticosteroids, chemotherapy agents, or immunomodulators may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness. It’s best to delay immunization if possible or monitor immune response closely.
• Live Vaccines: There is no contraindication, but if administered concurrently with other vaccines (e.g., oral polio vaccine, MMR), they should be given at separate injection sites.
• Antipyretics: Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be given after vaccination to manage fever or injection site discomfort without impacting efficacy.
• Previous Allergic Reactions: Patients who previously experienced hypersensitivity to a vaccine component or another vaccine should inform the healthcare provider.

Always inform the provider of any recent medications, vaccines, or medical history, especially:

• Severe allergic reactions to previous DPT vaccines
• History of seizures or neurological disorders
• Known immune system disorders

No major drug-drug interactions are reported, but caution is recommended when used alongside immunosuppressive treatments.

Dosage of ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE

The dosage schedule for this vaccine is standardized as per national immunization programs:

• Individual Dose: 0.5 ml intramuscularly
• Primary Immunization: Typically administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.
• First Booster: At 15 to 18 months of age
• Second Booster: Between 4 and 6 years of age

Catch-up schedules may be provided for children who miss doses. It is crucial to adhere to the minimum intervals between doses:

• At least 4 weeks between primary doses
• At least 6 months before administering booster doses

Administration guidelines:

• Use a sterile 23–25 gauge needle for injection
• Choose the correct anatomical site (thigh in infants, deltoid in older children)
• Shake well before use to ensure even suspension

Under no circumstances should the total volume exceed the recommended dose per injection. Discard the vial after the recommended number of doses or as per local infection control protocols.

Possible side effects of ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE

Most side effects from the DPT vaccine are mild and self-limiting. However, as with any medical product, some individuals may experience adverse reactions.

• Common Side Effects:
• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Fever (mild to moderate)
• Irritability or fussiness in infants
• Drowsiness or decreased appetite
• Less Common Side Effects:
• Persistent crying (more than 3 hours)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Allergic reactions such as rash or itching
• Rare but Serious Side Effects:
• Febrile seizures
• Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (sudden limpness, pale or blue appearance)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), although extremely rare

Parents should monitor children for 24–48 hours post-vaccination and report any unusual or severe symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.

ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE Contraindications ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE

Though generally safe, there are specific conditions in which the vaccine should not be administered or should be delayed.

• Absolute Contraindications:
• Known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine (e.g., neomycin, aluminum salts)
• Previous anaphylactic reaction to a DPT dose
• Relative Contraindications:
• Progressive neurologic disorders such as uncontrolled epilepsy
• Encephalopathy within 7 days of a previous DPT dose without other identifiable cause
• Temporary Deferral:
• Moderate to severe febrile illness
• Acute infection or ongoing uncontrolled medical condition

The decision to vaccinate in special cases (e.g., preterm infants, children with seizure history) should be made on a case-by-case basis under expert guidance.

Storage of ADSORBED DIPHTHERIA PERTUSSIS TETANUS VACCINE

Proper storage is essential to maintain vaccine potency and safety.

• Temperature Range: +2°C to +8°C (standard refrigerated conditions)
• Do Not Freeze: Freezing destroys vaccine efficacy. Discard if accidentally frozen.
• Storage Equipment: Use a WHO-prequalified vaccine refrigerator with a temperature monitoring system.
• Protect from Light: Store in the original packaging to protect from light degradation.
• Multi-Dose Vial Policy:
• Once opened, the vial can usually be used for up to 28 days if stored properly and aseptic technique is maintained (as per WHO guidelines).
• Discard vials with signs of contamination or if expired.

Always check the vial for particulate matter, discoloration, or expiration before use. Maintain a cold chain during transportation from manufacturer to point-of-use facilities.