img-promo-ophthalmology-x2
Ophthalmology at OT&P
Perfecting sight, enhancing vision.
img-promo-cardiology-v2x2
Urology at OT&P
Leading the way in urological health.
img-promo-cardiology-v2x2
Cardiology at OT&P
Guarding hearts, enhancing lives.
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

What is the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Vaccine For?

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are 3 types of bacterial diseases that can be prevented by combining vaccines. Diphtheria and pertussis are contagious diseases that transmit from person to person, whereas tetanus enters the body through open cuts or wounds1.

According to the Centers for Disease Control1, everyone should receive vaccinations to protect against these bacteria. Every child in Hong Kong receives the DTaP-IPV vaccine as part of the childhood immunisation schedule.

The vaccines are available in different combinations, including DTaP, Tdap, Td, and TD and are selected depending on age and other factors.

 

What is Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis?

Tetanus 

Tetanus (破傷風疫苗) is a rare bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani entering an open wound. Tetanus does not spread from one person to another. The bacteria causes symptoms of muscular contractions when it enters the body. Tetanus is also often known as "lockjaw" as it causes a person's neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it difficult to open or swallow2.

 

Diphtheria

Diphtheria (白喉疫苗) is a contagious infection caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces the toxin diphtheria2. It can affect the nose, throat and sometimes skin. The bacteria is spread by coughs, sneezes and through close contact with an infected person3. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and breathing problems. In more severe cases, it can result in heart failure and nerve damage4.

 

Pertussis

Also known as whooping cough, pertussis (百日咳疫苗) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is characterised by uncontrollable, severe coughing that makes it difficult to breathe. Pertussis patients frequently need to take long breaths after coughing episodes, resulting in a "whooping" sound2.

 

What are the Different Combinations of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Vaccines?

A combination vaccine contains 2 or more vaccines in a single shot which can decrease the number of shots given.

 

DTaP

DTaP vaccine contains full-strength doses of all three vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis). The vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. According to the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme5, it’s recommended that children receive a total of 5 doses of DTaP-IPV (includes an Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine for protection against poliomyelitis) at the following ages:

Age/Grade Immunisation
2 months DTaP-IPV Vaccine1 - First Dose
4 months DTaP-IPV Vaccine - Second Dose
6 months DTaP-IPV Vaccine - Third Dose
18 months DTaP-IPV Vaccine - Booster Dose
Primary 1 (6 to 7 years) DTaP-IPV Vaccine - Booster Dose
Primary 2 (10 to 12 years) Tdap-IPV Vaccine2 - Booster Dose

1DTaP- IPV Vaccine: Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis & Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine
2Tdap-IPV Vaccine: Diphtheria (reduced dose), Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (reduced dose) & Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine

 

Tdap & Td

Tdap vaccine has a reduced dose of diphtheria and pertussis. It provides additional protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough as it is given as a booster. It is recommended that preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 get one shot of Tdap to boost their immunity. Teens who did not receive Tdap as a preteen should get one shot the next time they see their doctor. Older children and adults should receive Td or Tdap vaccine boosters every 10 years to maintain protection6.

 

Pertussis Vaccine for Pregnant Women

On the 2nd of July 2020, the Hong Kong Department of Health launched a pertussis vaccination programme for pregnant women at Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs). The MCHCs administer pertussis vaccinations to women between the ages of 26 and 34 weeks of pregnancy to provide direct protection for their infants from pertussis7.

Pregnant women would be given a reduced dose of the pertussis vaccine. As infants only receive pertussis vaccine as early as 2 months of age, the antibodies produced in the pregnant women from the vaccine can be passed to the foetus before birth. This can provide direct protection against pertussis in the first few months of life when the infant has not yet completed their own vaccination8.

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can be prevented by administering combination vaccines. Visit your general practitioner for more information on which combination you and/or your child should receive. Try our website vaccine calculator, enabling you to generate a personalised immunisation schedule.

Book an Appointment

 

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control. (2020). ‘Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know.’ CDC. 22 January 2020. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td/public/index.html> [Accessed 5 July 2021].
  2. Centers for Disease Control (2020). ‘DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) VIS.’ CDC. 1 April 2020. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/dtap.html> [Accessed 5 July 2021].
  3. National Health Service. (2018). ‘Diphtheria.’ NHS. 28 February 2018. Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diphtheria/> [Accessed 7 July 2021].
  4. Family Health Service. (2017). ‘Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis & Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (DTaP-IPV Vaccine).’ Department of Health. July 2017. Available at: <https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/child/485.html> [Accessed 5 July 2021].
  5. Family Health Service. (2021). ‘Schedule of Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme.’ Department of Health. 4 April 2021. Available at: <https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/main_ser/child_health/child_health_recommend.html> [Accessed 5 July 2021].
  6. Centers for Disease Control. (2020). ‘Tetanus Vaccination.’ CDC. 22 January 22. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/tetanus/index.html> [Accessed 7 July 2021].
  7. Hong Kong Department of Health. (2020). ‘DH to launch Pertussis Vaccination Programme for pregnant women in Hong Kong.’ DH. 28 June 2020. Available at: <https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/28/P2020062600583.htm> [Accessed 7 July 2021].Hong
  8. Kong Hospital Authority (2020). ‘Diphtheria (reduced dose), tetanus & acellular pertussis (reduced dose) vaccine (dTap vaccine)’. HA. 29 May 2020. Available at: <https://www.ekg.org.hk/pilic/public/O&G_PILIC/O&G_Diphtheriareduceddosetetanus&acellularpertussisreduceddosevaccinedTapvaccine_0332_eng.pdf> [Accessed 8 July 2021].

Topics: Vaccinations

OT&P Healthcare

OT&P Healthcare

OT&P Healthcare is a Premium Private Healthcare Practice in Hong Kong. Our priority is to help individuals to enhance and optimise their health by providing easy access to a wide range of excellent practitioners and information, supported by management systems and technology that ensure quality of service and value. Our Mission is to provide pre-eminent private healthcare in Hong Kong. We aim to be the best in class fully integrated healthcare service, providing a circle of care for all our patients' needs.

Comments

Advertisement

Advertisement