DTwP

DTwP, short for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis whole-cell vaccine, is a combined immunization formulated with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and the entire inactivated Bordetella pertussis bacterium (whole-cell pertussis). It is one of the original DTP-type vaccines introduced in the mid-20th century and remains in use in some countries. Compared with acellular pertussis formulations, DTwP tends to provoke a higher rate of local and systemic reactions such as fever, swelling at the injection site, and fussiness, though overall protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis is strong when vaccination schedules are followed. Severe adverse events are rare.

DTwP is typically administered as part of routine childhood immunization schedules. Primary immunization usually consists of three doses given in infancy (commonly at 2, 4, and 6 months), followed by booster doses in the second year of life and later childhood, with exact timing varying by country. It may be provided as stand-alone DTP vaccines or as part of combination vaccines that also cover other diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where whole-cell pertussis is still used for cost considerations.

Global use of DTwP has declined in many high-income nations, where DTaP (acellular pertussis) has largely replaced it due to a lower reactogenicity profile. In other regions, especially where resources are limited and disease burden is high, DTwP-based formulations remain an essential component of immunization programs to protect against pertussis and its complications.