Why should I take the vaccine?💡

DTaP vaccine protects your little one from diphtheria, which is a very serious disease that can cause death. The vaccine also prevents tetanus and whooping cough along with diphtheria.

Five doses of DTaP shots and one Tdap for preteens are recommended in order to get complete protection from the vaccine. This 3rd dose will ensure sustained defense against the virus until the next shot, which will be given at the baby's age of 15-18 months.

How to get the vaccine?💉

The 3rd dose of the vaccine is given at your baby's age of 6 months old, which is 2 months after the second shot of the DTaP. Your pediatrician should have already made you an appointment for this 3rd dose when you had 2d dose of the vaccine, 

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: 

What should I be aware of after the vaccine?

Not only for DTaP but after all vaccinations, you should closely monitor your little one's condition for possible side effects. Learn about possible side effects from your doctor, and call him/her right away if you suspect anything that concerns you. Also, offering breastmilk or formula more often than usual will help because some babies will eat less than usual during the 24 hours after getting the shots!

I see some mild reactions coming out. What should I do

The injection site could be swollen or a rash could appear on the day your little one gets the vaccine! The baby might cry because the site could be very itchy and even painful. Yes, this will go away soon, but you can give some treatments at home so your poor little one gets better.

Use a cool, damp cloth on the injection site to reduce pain and soreness. The coolness of a towel can relieve itchiness and redness, which will make your baby feel better. If your baby is having a fever, reduce it with a cool sponge bath, and if the reaction is serious, ask your doctor if you can give your baby a non-aspirin pain reliever. Don't give any kind of medicine with your own decision! Make sure you always ask for a doctor's advice!