The nurse is preparing to administer a diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunization to a 3-month-old boy. The infant's mother asks why he needs the DTaP immunization at this age. Which of the following information should be given to her?

Explanation

•Infants that are not immune to pertussis have a high risk of mortality. Healthy adults and older children will normally have a full recovery without complications.

•DTaP is normally given over five doses starting at the age of 2 months.

•The thymus begins to atrophy by the early teens, but this is not the reason for administering the DTaP vaccine during infancy.

•The ability to crawl has no affect on the immunization schedule.

•Allergic reactions, although rare, can happen at any age of administration.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!