This vaccine prevents Diphtheria, Pertusis (Whooping Cough) and Tetanus. Two other vaccinations were included with the vaccine since 2009. They are Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenza Type B (HIB) vaccines. It is the combination of 5 vaccines so it is also known as Pentavalent (meaning: having a valency of five) vaccine.
Time for Pentavalent or DPT Vaccine
6 weeks after birth to 1 year
Schedule Pentavalent or DPT Vaccine
| Dosage | Age |
| 1st dose | 6 weeks |
| 2nd dose | 10 weeks |
| 3rd dose | 14 weeks |
Injection site for Pentavalent or DPT Vaccine
Muscle (Intradermal: applied within the layers of the skin)
Side effects of Pentavalent or DPT Vaccine
- Mild fever
- Abscess formation ( accumulation of pus at injection site)
- Convulsion (Abnormal body movement)
- Anaphylaxis reaction (reaction due to allergy of vaccine)
Contra-Indications for Pentavalent or DPT Vaccine
- Seriously ill with hospitalized children
- Previous reaction with DPT
- Children having high grade fever
Things to remember for Pentavalent or DPT Vaccine
- Strict vaccination schedule.
- Gentle press or cold compression for few minutes can be applied on injected site.
- Pre-information about the side effects, contra-indication and the care necessary during and after vaccination.
- Mental preparation for the side effects of the vaccine.
- Check up(for child) before vaccination to rule out any chances of contraindications.
- Consult the doctor for any medication and if
- Fever does not subside after 36 hours of vaccination
- An abscess formation at the site of vaccination
- If any other complication occurs