DTaP immunization (vaccine)

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Immunizations

DTaP immunizationis a vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).

See also:

• Diphtheria immunization
• Tetanus immunization
• Pertussis immunization

The DTaP vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis -- all of which are serious, potentially deadly, diseases. It is given by a shot (injection), usually into the arm or the thigh.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

DTaP vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations. DTaP vaccine can be safely given to infants. Five DTaP vaccines are recommended. They are usually given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. DTaP immunization is generally required before a child can start school.

After the initial series of immunizations, a Td vaccine should be given around age 11 or 12, and every 10 years thereafter. The Td vaccine provides further protection against tetanus diphtheria, and is used as a booster to the DTaP vaccine.

DTaP is recommended unless there is a reason that the child should not receive the pertussis vaccine (such as allergic reaction), in which case a vaccine against diphtheria and tetanus (DT vaccine) should only be given.

SIDE EFFECTS

DTaP may cause the following mild side effects, which usually only last a few days:

• Fever
• Crankiness
• Soreness at the injection site
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite

Some health care providers recommend taking one dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) just before getting the vaccine to help avoid common, minor side effects. A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad may help reduce soreness. Frequently moving or using the arm or leg that has received the injection is recommended and often reduces the soreness.

Moderate to serious reactions are uncommon. They may include:

• Non-stop crying for more than 3 hours (1 in 1000 children)
• Fever over 105 degrees (1 in 16,000 children)
• Seizures (1 in 14,000 children)

Severe reactions are extremely rare, but may include severe allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties and shock. Such reactions occur in less than 1 per 1,000,000 children. Long-term seizures and brain damage are so rare that the association with vaccine is questionable.