The DTaP vaccine can help prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Most children who are vaccinated with DTaP will be protected throughout childhood. Many more children would get these diseases if we stopped vaccinating.
DTaP is a safer version of an older vaccine called DTP. DTP is no longer used in the United States.
Children should get five doses of the DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 15 to 18 months
- Four to six years.
DTaP may be given at the same time as other vaccines. It is very important that DTaP be given on schedule.
Children with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. However, children who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting DTaP vaccine.
Any child who had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTaP should not get another dose.
Talk with your doctor if your child:
- Had a seizure or collapsed after a dose of DTaP
- Cried nonstop for three hours or more after a dose of DTaP
- Had a fever over 105°F after a dose of DTaP.
DTaP in Older Children and Adults
DTaP is approved for children up to the age of seven. DTaP should not be given to anyone seven years of age or older.
However, older children, adolescents, and adults still need protection from tetanus and diphtheria. A booster shot called Td is recommended at 11 to 12 years of age, and then every 10 years.
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