Triple antigen is another name for a type of vaccine known as the DTP vaccine. It protects against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
- Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It can cause difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death.
- Tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes muscle stiffness and painful muscle contractions.
- Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that causes severe coughing spells. It can be especially dangerous for infants.
The DTP vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, which means that it contains inactive or weakened forms of the viruses or bacteria that cause these diseases. When a person is vaccinated, the body's immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies that can fight off these diseases.
The DTP vaccine is usually given to children in a series of shots starting at 2 months of age. Booster shots are also recommended at 4 years old, 11-12 years old, and then every 10 years thereafter.
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DPT vaccine