Question

The DTP vaccine is no longer used because:

Options:
a) It had a higher cost.
b) It provided better immunity.
c) It caused severe side effects.
d) It was less effective than the acellular pertussis vaccines.

Answer 1

The DTP vaccine is no longer used because it caused severe side effects; it was replaced by DTaP and Tdap vaccines which use an acellular pertussis component to provide better immunization with fewer side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The DTP vaccine is no longer used because it caused severe side effects. This vaccine, which stands for diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus, was replaced by the DTaP and Tdap vaccines. The 'P' component in DTP consisted of killed whole-cell B. pertussis preparations that led to some adverse effects. In contrast, the newer DTaP and Tdap vaccines use an acellular pertussis component, indicated by "aP", which is a pertussis toxoid and is associated with fewer side effects. Children should receive five doses of the DTaP vaccine when they are young and a Td booster every 10 years. Those who may have adverse reactions to the pertussis component are often given the DT vaccine instead.