is used in infants to prevent three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis(whooping cough). The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its ownprotection (antibodies) against these diseases. tetanus, and pertussis are all serious life-threatening diseases caused byDiphtheria mainly affects the airways and sometimesthe skin. Generally the airways become inflamed(swollen) causing severe breathing difficulties and sometimes suffocation. Thebacteria also release a toxin (poison), which can cause nerve damage, heartproblems, and death. The risk of serious complications and death is greater inthe very young and elderly. Tetanus bacteria enter the body through wounded skin. Wounds that areespecially prone to infection are burns, fractures, deep wounds or woundscontaminated with soil, dust, horse manure or wood splinters. The bacteriarelease a toxin (poison), which can cause muscle stiffness, painful musclespasms, fits and death. The spasms can be strong enough to cause bone fracturesof the spine. The death rate is 30-40% of cases. Pertussis is a highly infectious illness. The disease affects the breathingtract causing severe spells of coughing that may interfere with normalbreathing. The coughing is often accompanied by a ‘whooping’ sound. The coughmay last for 1-2 months or longer. Pertussis can also cause inner earinfections, long-lasting bronchitis, pneumonia, fits, brain damage and death. The risk of severe complications and death is greatest in infants under 6months of age. The death rate is 0.5% for infants under 6 months of age.