DTaP and Tdap vaccines

DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) is a vaccine that helps children under 7 years of age develop immunity against three deadly diseases caused by bacteria: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). DTaP is a booster immunization given at age 11 that provides ongoing protection against these diseases in adolescents and adults.

Diphtheria is a respiratory disease that can cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and death. It is highly contagious and is spread through coughs and sneezes.

Tetanus, or trismus, is caused by bacteria often present in the soil. Once in the body, it releases a toxin that attacks the nervous system, causing muscle spasms and death if left untreated.

Whooping cough, also highly contagious, causes coughing spasms so severe that infants find it difficult to eat, drink, and even breathe. This can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death.

Before vaccines were developed, these diseases were rampant. Vaccines protect society by preventing the spread of disease from person to person, which provides some protection even for unvaccinated people. If people stop getting vaccinated, the incidence of these three diseases will increase rapidly, and thousands of people will get sick and possibly even die.

What is the difference between DTaP and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)?

Both vaccines contain inactivated forms of a toxin produced by bacteria that cause the three diseases. Inactivation means that the substance no longer causes disease, but causes the body to produce antibodies that give it immunity against the toxins. DTaP is approved for children under the age of 7. Tdap, which contains a reduced dose of diphtheria and whooping cough vaccines, is approved for adolescents 11 years of age and older and adults 19 to 64 years of age. It is often referred to as a booster dose because it boosts immunity. which is reduced by vaccination given at 4 to 6 years of age.

The immune system weakens over time. Thus, it is currently recommended that everyone needs a tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years after the first vaccination. This booster is available as a vaccine called Td. But since immunity to whooping cough also wanes in childhood, a weaker form of pertussis vaccine has been added to the booster to make the Tdap vaccine. The current recommendation is to replace one dose of Tdap vaccine with one dose of Td vaccine between 11 and 64 years of age. Pregnant women are also advised to get the Tdap vaccine, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Children 7 to 10 years of age who are not fully vaccinated against whooping cough, including children who have never been vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, should receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine. Adolescents aged 13 to 18 who have not yet received the Tdap vaccine should receive one dose followed by a tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years.

When should children be vaccinated with the DTaP vaccine?

Children should receive five doses of DTaP vaccine on the following schedule:

One dose at 2 months of age
One dose at 4 months
One dose at 6 months
Single dose between 15 and 18 months
One dose from 4 to 6 years

Are there children who should not be vaccinated with DTaP?

Children who are moderately or severely ill and should be vaccinated should wait until they are well before receiving the vaccine. However, minor illnesses such as a cold or low-grade fever should not prevent a child from receiving a dose of vaccine.

If a child has a life-threatening allergic reaction after receiving one dose of the vaccine, that child should not receive another dose.

A child who has had a brain or nervous system disease within seven days of receiving the vaccine should not receive another dose.

Some children may have a bad reaction to the DTP pertussis shot and should not receive another dose. However, there is a vaccine that will protect them from diphtheria and tetanus. Talk to your doctor if your child has had any of the following reactions:

Had a seizure or collapse after a dose of DTaP
Cried non-stop for 3 hours or more after a dose of DTaP
Had a fever over 40 C after a dose of DTaP

Are there any dangers associated with DTaP and Tdap?

Like any medicine, vaccines can have side effects. But the risk of a serious problem with DTaP or Tdap is extremely low. On the other hand, the risk of your child getting a serious illness like diphtheria or whooping cough is extremely high without vaccination.

One of the most serious problems that can occur after vaccination is an allergic reaction. It occurs in less than one dose per million. If this had happened, it would probably have happened a few minutes or a few hours after the vaccine was given. Although this rarely happens, it is important to be prepared for an allergic reaction to any medication and seek immediate medical attention if this occurs. Symptoms may include any of the following:

difficulty breathing
hoarseness
wheezing
hives
paleness
weakness
rapid heart beat
dizziness

Other very rare problems that have been reported include prolonged seizures, coma or loss of consciousness, and brain damage. These problems were so rare that it is impossible to tell if they were actually related to the vaccine or caused by something else.

Some mild problems usually occur after receiving a vaccine. They include:

fever
redness or swelling at the site of the shot
soreness or tenderness at the site of the shot
fussiness
tiredness
vomiting

These problems may occur one to three days after firing and usually disappear quickly. If your child has ever had seizures, regardless of the cause, it is important to control the fever. Using a non-aspirin pain reliever within 24 hours of the injection may help control fever and relieve pain. Do not give aspirin to a child under 18 years of age if they have a fever. Aspirin can cause a very serious, life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome, which can damage the brain and liver.

Up-to-date vaccinations can protect not only you and your children from serious diseases, but also your community.