DTaP vaccination or Tdap immunization (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)

What is the DTAP vaccine?

If you are traveling in the next few months, our physicians at MyConciergeMD encourage you to quickly review your vaccination history and receive any boosters or missed vaccinations before you depart. Likewise, if you are traveling with young children our physicians strongly recommend the child receive any vaccinations per CDC schedule, especially the DTP vaccine or TDAP, if applicable.

The DTP vaccination is a combination vaccine used to protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The vaccination usually administered to children under the age of 7, and a booster shot is recommended every ten years. Women who are pregnant in their third trimester often receive the vaccination along with any caretakers who will be around the infant.

If you have not been vaccinated for diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, it is strongly recommended that you receive one and required by some countries you may wish to travel to.

What does the vaccination defend against?

Tdap vaccination is crucial for preventing the following ailments:

Diphtheria Diphtheria is an infection that affects the nose and throat. Signs of diphtheria often appear five days after becoming infected. Dense, gray matter is usually seen covering the throat, compromising breathing. Chills, fatigue, fever, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, and swollen neck (“bull neck”) are common signs of the disease. Though rare, diphtheria may be fatal.

Tetanus This bacterial infection is often accompanied by muscle spasms, fever, stiffness, severe pain, and lockjaw. Tetanus can be transferred through contact with a rusty or contaminated metal object.

Pertussis Pertussis is more commonly known as “whooping cough” and is a highly infectious condition causing symptoms that include: runny nose, fever, severe cough lasting for more than one week.

Why it is important for travel

Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis is significant concerns in developing countries often due to the lack of availability of immunizations. When traveling our physicians recommend this vaccination to protect yourself, your family and those who live in the countries you are traveling to. Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus are caused from close contact with infected person(s) or in the case of tetanus, from soil, manure or dust making contact with an open wound.

Pertussis in particular, has been identified as a widespread, infectious disease, a public health issue in developed and developing countries due to its highly infectious nature. The disease isn’t age exclusive and is especially dangerous for infants and young children.

About the injection

DTP shots are usually administered by one of our trained physicians in the arm. Only one shot is needed and our staff recommends that our patients receive the vaccination at least 4-6 weeks before traveling. If you have any questions regarding the vaccination our team at MyConciergeMD is happy to address any concerns you have regarding your travel destinations or the vaccination itself.

Some mild side effects may include redness, swelling, soreness, tiredness, swollen glands, and headaches. It is much safer to experience these side effects rather than risk infection of the diseases.

Countries where the vaccination is required/encouraged

Due to the prevalence of whooping cough and tetanus it is suggested and encouraged for travelers to receive the vaccine before traveling internationally. It is especially encouraged by our physicians to receive a booster shot, if applicable, before traveling as an added line of defense. DTP vaccines are important to receive not only for yourself and your family, but for others who may not have access to the vaccine and are susceptible to the diseases.

MyConciergeMD vaccination clinic

Contact MyConciergeMD as soon as possible if you have international traveling plans or you are pregnant and traveling internationally. Our physicians are happy to answer any questions, comments or concerns you have and wish to educate you as best as possible before your trip. Our Los Angeles clinic is fully equipped with the vaccinations you need to protect yourself and others from potentially dangerous viruses and diseases.

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