DPT stands for Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus vaccine. It is a combination vaccine that protects against these three serious diseases.
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory system, causing a thick membrane to form in the throat, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough, this is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits, often resulting in vomiting.
- Tetanus: A bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, causing muscle spasms and stiffness, especially in the jaw, leading to the nickname "lockjaw."
The DPT vaccine is typically given in a series of shots, with the first dose administered at two months of age.
