Easily understand the adjusted DPT immunization schedule for children

The release of the "Notice on the Adjustment of the National Immunization Program for DPT Vaccines and Pertussis Vaccine Immunization Program" has become a hot topic for families with children recently. So why is the program adjusted? How to vaccinate after the adjustment? What should I do if I miss the time? Let's combine the following two tables to help everyone easily understand the adjusted DPT vaccination strategy.

1. The purpose of adjusting the DPT immunization program

The pathogen of whooping cough is Bordetella pertussis. People are generally susceptible to whooping cough, especially children under 5 years old, especially infants. The risk of complications and severe illness after infection is high, and severe cases can even lead to death. Because fetal antibodies contain almost no protective antibodies against whooping cough, the most preferred solution at present is to get the DTP triple vaccine as early as possible. For this reason, the country has adjusted the time for the first DTP vaccination of infants from 3 months to 2 months, so that infants can gain immunity to whooping cough earlier.

2. What are the changes in the immunization program?

Starting from January 1, 2025, a new DTP vaccination program will be implemented nationwide, with the following specific adjustments:

3. Vaccination strategies for children of different age groups

Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine immunization schedule and common vaccination situations and recommended vaccination times

4. Replanting principles:

1. Principles for booster vaccination for children aged 2 months to 6 years

Use DTP vaccine to catch up on uncompleted doses as soon as possible

The interval between the first 3 doses should be no less than 28 days.

The interval between the 4th and 3rd injections should be ≥ 6 months;

The interval between the 5th and 4th injections should be ≥ 12 months

After the missed dose is given, the subsequent doses should be given as per the recommended age in the immunization schedule, provided that the minimum interval for the booster dose is met. If a child has received the diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine at the age of 6, the booster dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine is no longer required.

(II) Principles for booster vaccination for children aged 7 to 11

5. The significance of adjusting the DTP vaccine immunization schedule

The new DTP vaccine immunization schedule advances the time of the first dose to 2 months of age, which can protect young children as early as possible. Increasing the number of doses of vaccines containing pertussis components from 4 to 5, and increasing the number of booster shots from 1 to 2, can provide more lasting protection for susceptible people and reduce infection in older children.

Contributor: Chongqing Science Writers Association Author: Xie Mingqin, deputy chief physician, and Zou Jingbo, chief technician, Chongqing Yongchuan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention Review expert: Li Hanbin Statement: Except for original content and special instructions, some pictures are from the Internet for non-commercial purposes and are only used as popular science materials. The copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.