DPT/TD Vaccination Campaign Launched | 17 Aug 2022

Why In News?

• On August 16, 2022, the Public Health and Family Welfare Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Prabhuram Choudhary launched the state level program of DPT/TD vaccination campaign at Kamala Nehru Girls School Auditorium, Bhopal. Along with this, he also released a poster focused on the campaign.

Key Points

• The vaccination drive will continue till August 31 to protect against deadly diseases like DPT, tetanus and diphtheria.
• Health Minister Dr. Prabhuram Choudhary said that Madhya Pradesh is one of the leading states in the eradication of diphtheria. DPT and TD vaccines will be administered to 36 lakh adolescent girls. The vaccine is to be given to children aged 5 to 6 years, 10 years and 16 years. Free vaccines will be provided in schools and Anganwadi centres.
• The Health Minister appealed to the public representatives, teachers and parents to cooperate in getting 100 percent children vaccinated in the campaign.
• DPT (also DTP and DTwP) refers to a class of combined vaccines given to protect against three infectious diseases caused by humans (diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus).
• 'D' means diphtheria, 'T' means tetanus and 'P' means pertussis. These three are serious bacterial diseases. Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the body through cuts and wounds.
• The TD vaccine is given to prevent tetanus and diphtheria. It is given only for children, adolescents and adults aged 7 years and above. TD is usually given as a booster dose every 10 years, or after 5 years in the event of a severe or dirty wound or burn.
• Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It appears as a blister and its symptoms are swelling in the throat, pain in the throat, some eating and drinking pain. Vaccine is very important to avoid this infection.
• Tetanus usually causes painful tightening of muscles throughout the body. Tetanus can cause the jaw to close, as a result of which the victim cannot open or swallow his mouth.
• Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe cough. This also makes it difficult for babies to eat, drink or breathe. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, and death.