Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine
Generic name: diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) [ dif-THEER-ee-uh, TET-a-nus, ay-SEL-yoo-ler-per-TUS-iss ]
Brand names: Daptacel (DTaP), Infanrix (DTaP), Infanrix (DTaP) Preservative Free, Tripedia (DTaP), Boostrix (obsolete1)
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (15 units-5 units-23 mcg/0.5 mL; 25 units-10 units-58 mcg/0.5 mL)
What is diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine?
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria.
Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.
Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth, swallow, or breathe. Tetanus can lead to death.
Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe long-lasting episodes of cough that can interfere with eating, drinking, or breathing. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.
Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.
The diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis pediatric vaccine (also called DTaP) is used to help prevent these diseases in children. This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease but will not treat an already active infection.
DTap vaccine is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 years old (before the child has reached his or her 7th birthday).
Like any vaccine, the DTaP vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
Becoming infected with diphtheria, pertussis, or tetanus is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine.
Before taking this medicine
Your child may not be able to receive this vaccine if he or she has ever received a similar vaccine that caused any of the following:
a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine that contains diphtheria, pertussis, or tetanus;
fainting, going into shock, loss of consciousness;
seizures;
nervous system problems or brain disorders (such as infantile spasms or uncontrolled epilepsy);
Guillain-Barré syndrome; or
severe pain or swelling after receiving a vaccine that contains tetanus or diphtheria.
Tell the vaccination provider if your child was born prematurely or has a seizure disorder.
Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.
The pediatric version of this vaccine (Daptacel, Infanrix) should not be given to a child who is 7 years or older. Another vaccine is available for use in older children and adults.
