What Are Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis?
The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine protects against:
- Diphtheria: a
serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing
problems
- Tetanus (lockjaw):
a nerve disease that can happen at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating
a wound
- Pertussis (whooping
cough): a respiratory illness with cold-like symptoms that lead to severe coughing
(the "whooping" sound happens when a child breathes in deeply after a severe coughing
fit). Serious complications can affect children under 1 year old, and those younger
than 6 months old are especially at risk. Teens and adults with a lasting cough might
have pertussis and not realize it, and could pass it to vulnerable infants.
DTaP Immunization Schedule
DTaP immunizations are given as a series of 5 injections, usually given at ages:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 15–18 months
- 4–6 years
A vaccine called Tdap (the booster shot) should be given at ages 11 to 12, and
to older teens and adults who haven't yet had a booster with pertussis coverage. (This
is especially important for adults who will be around newborn babies, such as grandparents
or other caregivers.) Then, Td (tetanus and diphtheria) boosters are recommended
every 10 years.
Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine in the second half of each
pregnancy, even if they've been vaccinated in the past. Tdap also can be given after
a deep cut or severe burn to prevent tetanus infection.
Why Is the DTaP Vaccine Recommended?
Use of the DTaP vaccine has virtually eliminated diphtheria and tetanus in childhood
and has greatly reduced the number of pertussis cases.
Possible Risks of DTaP Immunization
The vaccine can cause mild side effects: fever;
mild crankiness; tiredness; loss of appetite; and tenderness, redness, or swelling
in the area where the shot was given.
Rarely, a child may have a seizure, a high fever, or uncontrollable crying after getting the vaccine. But these sorts of side
effects are so rare that researchers question whether they're even caused by the vaccine.
Most kids have a few minor or no side effects.
When to Delay or Avoid DTaP Immunization
Simple colds or other
minor illnesses should not prevent immunization, but your doctor might choose to reschedule
the vaccine if your child has a more serious illness.
Talk to your doctor about whether getting the vaccine is a good idea if your child
had any of the following after an earlier DTaP shot:
Your doctor might give a partial vaccine or no vaccine, or may decide that the
benefits of vaccinating your child outweigh the potential risks.
Caring for Your Child After DTaP Immunization
Your child may have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area
where the shot was given. For pain and fever, check with your doctor to see if you
can give either acetaminophen
or ibuprofen,
and to find out the right dose.
A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the injection site may help reduce soreness,
as can moving or using the arm.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
- Call if you aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided. Children
who have had certain problems with the DTaP vaccine usually can safely receive the
Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine.
- Call if anything concerns you after immunization.
Date reviewed: February 2020
