The DT-IPV vaccination protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Children get the vaccination at the age of 9 years. This is their second repeat vaccination against these diseases. The first vaccinations were given when the children were 3 months, 5 months and 11 months old. The first repeat vaccination was given at 4 years.
The DT-IPV vaccination in summary
| Protects against | Diphtheria, tetanus and polio |
|---|---|
| Given at | 9 years |
| Period of protection | Probably lifelong for polio. 10 years for diphtheria and tetanus |
| Most common side effects | Symptoms at the injection site such as a red, swollen or painful arm; headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting and fever |
Children receive the DTaP-IPV - Hib - HBV vaccination 3 times before their first birthday. After this, children are probably protected against Hib disease, Hepatitis B and polio for the rest of their lives. To be absolutely certain that children are effectively protected against polio, they receive a repeat vaccination at 4 years and again at 9 years. Children also get these 2 repeat vaccinations because the DTaP-IPV - Hib - HBV vaccinations do not yet give them lifelong protection against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.
Children get the first repeat vaccination at the age of 4 years. This is the DTaP-IPV vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. After that, the child is protected against whooping cough for 5 years. Sometimes a child who has been vaccinated will still get whooping cough. But the child’s illness will be less severe.
Children get the second repeat vaccination at the age of 9 years. This is the DT-IPV vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. After this, the child probably has lifelong protection against polio, and will be protected against diphtheria and tetanus for 10 years. To be sure that you are well protected, it is advisable to get a repeat vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years.
| When? | Most side effects occur within a day after vaccination and are gone within a couple of days. |
|---|---|
| Happens often |
Fever, headache, dizziness and nausea/vomiting are common, as are symptoms at the injection site, such as a red, swollen or painful arm. |
| Happens sometimes |
Occasionally, a child passes out after vaccination. This may be related to a fear of needles. |
| Good to know | Your child cannot infect others after their DT-IPV vaccination at the age of 9 years. |
When your child receives vaccinations, you may feel uneasy. There may be side effects. It is good to know that the National Immunisation Programme vaccinations are given in many other countries as well. Studies from all those countries show that these vaccinations are safe. There are no known long-term negative effects.
The bacteria that cause diphtheria and tetanus produce a toxic substance that makes you ill. This substance is called a toxin. The vaccine contains inactivated variants of these toxins, which cannot make you ill. The DT-IPV vaccine also contains modified inactivated polio viruses. These also cannot make you ill.
The page ‘What is in vaccines?’ provides more information on what is in vaccines. The page ‘How does vaccination work?’ provides information on how vaccination works.
If you are planning a trip outside the Netherlands, you usually do not need to have your child vaccinated early (before the recommended age) – unless that country has a high risk of infectious diseases. Will you be travelling abroad for a short trip or a longer period, and does your child need vaccinations? Check with the youth healthcare services (JGZ) if you need to adjust your child’s vaccination schedule.
Do you have questions about vaccinations that you need for a trip outside the Netherlands? Consult the National Coordination Centre for Travellers Advice (LCR) website. The LCR website includes information on which vaccinations are advisable and where to make an appointment in your area.
If your child is ill, please contact the organisation that will give the vaccination. They can tell you if it is a good idea to get the vaccination right now. Sometimes the vaccination may be postponed for a bit. The vaccination is safe for children with reduced immunity.
Can children with impaired immunity get the DT-IPV vaccination?
The DT-IPV vaccination is extra important for children with reduced immunity as a result of disease or medication. The vaccination is safe for children with impaired immunity, but it may be less effective. Children with these health conditions always have their case supervised by a treating paediatrician, who can provide more information.