Q: My 2 weeks old baby (born in 37th week of pregnancy) has been given first dose of DPT along with hepatitis vaccine. Can DPT be given so early? Another doctor said that it should be given only after six weeks of birth and not after two weeks. Can the early vaccination have any adverse effect on the child?

A:DPT vaccination should begin at six weeks of age. Giving the vaccine at 2 weeks will not be harmful but the vaccine is not likely to be effective. It would be desirable to start a fresh course at six weeks of age.