DTaP

DTaP is a combination vaccine that protects against three bacterial diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). It uses inactivated diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis components to stimulate immunity without the larger risks associated with older whole-cell pertussis vaccines. DTaP is given by intramuscular injection and is routinely administered to young children as part of the childhood immunization schedule. Variants of the vaccine exist and may differ slightly in the specific pertussis antigens used, but all are designed to provide protection against the three diseases.

A typical DTaP schedule includes five primary doses: at about 2, 4, and 6 months of age; a fourth dose at 15–18 months; and a fifth dose at 4–6 years. After this series, a booster dose with Tdap (which contains reduced diphtheria and pertussis components) is given around 11–12 years of age and then as an adult booster every 10 years; women are advised to receive Tdap during each pregnancy to protect newborns.

Common side effects are usually mild and may include redness or swelling at the injection site, fussiness, sleepiness, or a fever. Serious adverse events are rare. DTaP is contraindicated in individuals with a severe allergic reaction to a previous DTaP dose or its components, or in cases of certain moderate or severe illnesses. In general, health care providers assess each patient’s medical history to determine the appropriateness of vaccination.

DTaP has substantially reduced the incidence of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in countries with routine vaccination programs, though pertussis remains a disease of concern, highlighting the importance of ongoing immunization efforts.