The DTaP Vaccine

DTaP
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DTaP
DTaP stands for three deadly diseases, which are diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Diphtheria(D) is a communicable disease of the upper respiratory tract caused by the bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheria. Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria. When it enters a wound, it releases tetanus toxin that travels to nervous system and end up in the spinal cord or brain stem. Pertussis is transmitted through aerosols, causing infection of the ciliated epithelium of the airways. The bacteria releases toxins that cause disease.
The groups at risk include young children less than 12 months, who are at a high risk of hospitalization from pertussis-related complications, tetanus, and diphtheria. Pregnant women are also recommended to take the DTaP vaccine because cuts and scratches can increase the risk of tetanus at this point (CDC, 2021).
According to CDC, infants and children should get 5 doses of DTaP. A dose should be given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 months, and 18 months, at 4 and 6 years. Pregnant women should get a single dose of Tdap at 27 weeks through 36 weeks and adolescents a single dose of Tdap at 11 to12 years (CDC, 2021). Adults should also get a single dose of Tdap at any time.
DTaP should be administered through the intramuscular route. For infants and young children, the recommended injection site is vastus lateralis muscle on the thigh. Adolescents and adults should be injected at the deltoid muscle found on the upper arm.
A child should not receive the DTaP when they have a risk of severe allergic ...