Diphtheria and Tetanus (DT) Vaccine

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is caused by bacteria. Affected persons may have fever, sore throat with patches of greyish membrane adhered to the throat and breathing difficulty. In serious cases, it can cause airway obstruction, heart failure, nerve damage or even death. The disease is spread by contact with patient or carrier. Less commonly, a person may get infected through contact with articles soiled with discharges from affected persons.

Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by bacteria, which get into the body through a break in the skin and produce a toxin that attacks the nervous system. It can cause painful tightening of the body and locking of the jaws, so that the infected person cannot open his/her mouth or swallow. When tetanus affects muscles that help to breathe, the patient can die very quickly.

Diphtheria and Tetanus (DT) Vaccine

A. Why get vaccinated?

DT vaccine can effectively prevent the above 2 serious diseases. In Hong Kong, Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis & Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (DTaP-IPV Vaccine) is recommended for routine childhood vaccination. However, children who cannot receive a pertussis-containing vaccine should be vaccinated with DT Vaccine.

B. When should my child get vaccinated?

In order to achieve good and lasting protection, a child should receive 3 doses of DT Vaccine in the first year of life (starting from 2 months, separated by at least 4 weeks in between two doses), and another booster dose at 18 months. Two other booster doses will be given to primary one and primary six students. DT vaccine can be given at the same time with other vaccines.

C. Some individuals should NOT get DT vaccine

• Immediate anaphylactic reaction to any of the vaccine components or following previous dose of DT vaccine.

D. What are the Risks?

• As with any medicine, DT vaccine carries a small risk of adverse reaction.
  
• Most people have no serious reactions after receiving DT vaccine. Occasionally there may be mild fever (usually occur within 3 days after vaccination) or slight swelling around the injection site. Parents can use anti-fever medication (e.g. panadol) to relieve the symptoms.
  
• If the child develops breathing difficulty or coma (which are extremely rare) after vaccination, please bring him/her to the Accident & Emergency Department of hospitals for management.