Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus Vaccine (Dtap) (Injection)
Key points
- Given to babies and young children to prevent diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).
- Tripedia, Infanrix There may be other brand names for this medicine.
- This medicine should not be given to a child who has had an allergic reaction to DTP vaccine (DTaP vaccine) or to individual diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis vaccines, or to thimerosal or gelatin.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus Vaccine (Dtap) (Injection)
Given to babies and young children to prevent diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).
Brand Name(s):
Tripedia, Infanrix
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine should not be given to a child who has had an allergic reaction to DTP vaccine (DTaP vaccine) or to individual diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis vaccines, or to thimerosal or gelatin. This medicine should not be given to a child who has previously had a severe reaction to DTP vaccines (DTaP vaccine) that included seizures or loss of consciousness that lasted several hours and occurred within 7 days of receiving the vaccine.
How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable
- This medicine is given only to children from the age of 6 weeks old up to the child's 7th birthday.
- Your child's doctor will prescribe the exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
- An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-ler) or IM injection is a shot given in the muscle of the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
- The doctor, nurse, or other caregiver trained to give injections will give the shot.
- This medicine is usually given as a series of 5 shots, although the schedule for your child may vary. In general, your child will receive the first dose at about 6 weeks to 2 months of age. The second dose is given 4 to 8 weeks later. The third dose is given 4 to 8 weeks after the second. A fourth dose (booster dose) is given at 15 to 20 months of age. The fifth dose is given about the time your child starts kindergarten, around 4 to 6 years old. Ask your doctor about your child's schedule, since it could be different.
- Your doctor may give your child Tylenolreg; when he or she receives this vaccination, to help reduce possible side effects. The doctor may also tell you to continue giving the child Tylenolreg; over the next 24 hours.
- Your child may receive other vaccinations at the same time as this one. You should receive other information sheets on those vaccinations. Make sure you understand all the information given to you.
If a dose is missed:
- It is important that your child receive all of the shots in this series. Try to keep all scheduled appointments.
- If your child must miss a shot, make another appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.