What is DTaP/IV?

DTaP/IV is a term used for four infections which are whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and polio.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the airways and lungs. It causes repeated coughing bouts which lasts 2-3 months. It is an airborne infection which is spread through coughing and sneezing. The first symptoms of whooping cough are a typical cold. The bouts then become more intense over the weeks and infected people will cough up mucus and blood. The infection is most critical for new-borns under 6 months, as whooping cough can lead to brain damage and liver failure due to the lack of oxygen. 

Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes skin. It is spread by coughing, sneezing and coming into contact with infected people. It is caused by diphtheria bacteria multiplying on the skin in or in the throat. Symptoms of diphtheria are a thick, grey membrane covering the throat and tonsils, a hoarse sore throat, swollen glands and difficulty breathing. Diphtheria can lead to breathing difficulties, heart and lung problems if it is left untreated.

Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system which is caused by toxin-producing bacteria. The bacteria which cause Tetanus can lay dormant in soil and animal faeces and when they make their way into an open wound they are ‘awakened’ leading to them multiplying and spreading toxins to the nervous system. There is currently no known cure for Tetanus. Symptoms include; painful muscle spasms and difficulty swallowing. Tetanus can lead to blocked airways as well as the lung artery and pneumonia. 

Polio is an illness caused by a virus which mainly affects the spinal cord and brain stem. It is caused by poliovirus which is found in infected faeces. Polio can also spread through contact through infected people. The illness usually comes into the body through the mouth. The vast majority of people that contract polio do not have any symptoms of the disease, arguably making it even more deadly. Polio often leads to death but treated patients may have permeant paralysis, muscle shortening and chronic pain. 

All four of these diseases are for the most part very rare to contract in the UK. However, all four are prevalent in different parts of the world. Whooping cough is becoming ever more common in Europe due to anti-vaxxers. The illness is also common in South east Asia and Africa. Diphtheria is very rare in the UK but is common in Central America ,South Asia, The Middle East and Eastern Europe. Tetanus is very rare in the UK but is common is sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Polio is very rare to catch in the UK but is common in The Middle east and South Asia, in particular Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

How to prevent DTaP/IV?

Two ways to prevent Whooping cough, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio are vaccination and maintaining good hygiene. Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing these illnesses. The DTaP/IV vaccination is available for young children, there is another vaccination which is available for adults, the DTP vaccination. The vaccination for young children is given on a 5 dose schedule.  Maintaining good hygiene is another important preventive measure, this can be done by frequently washing your hands as well as covering your mouth when you sneeze and cough. As for preventing Tetanus specifically, clean wounds often and get tetanus booster shots. 

Are there side effects of the DTaP/IV vaccine?

Yes, the DTaP vaccine can have side effects, but they are usually mild and temporary. Serious side effects are very rare. Common side effects include; Mild fever and vomiting, loss of appetite and redness or pain at the injection site. More serious side effects include; seizures, temporary limpness and and allergic reaction, if you are allergic to any component of the vaccine. 

If you experience these or any other side effects after taking the vaccine you should report it to your GP even if you are not certain that the vaccine caused it.

What does a DTaP/IV vaccination cost?

£80 per dose (combined for children)
£40 per dose (DTP for adults)

Where would I need a DTaP/IV vaccination?

Africa

South Asia

Central and South America

The Middle East

Eastern Europe