DTP

Dtp

DPT (also DTP and DTwP) refers to a class of combination vaccines against three infectious diseases in humans: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus. The vaccine components include diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and killed whole cells of the organism that causes pertussis (wP).

Who should get this vaccine?

DTaP is one of the recommended childhood immunizations. Many states require proof that a child has received the vaccine before starting day care or preschool.

Children should get 5 doses (shots) of the vaccine. One dose should be received at each of the following ages:

2 months

4 months

6 months

15 through 18 months

4 through 6 years

WHO SHOULD NOT GET THIS VACCINE

A child who received a dose of any vaccine that has tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis in it and developed an allergy from the vaccine.

The health care provider will decide if a child who has nervous system problems, such as epilepsy, should receive any diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccine.

A child who is ill with something more severe than a cold or a has a fever should have the vaccination rescheduled until after the child is recovered.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, mild fever, and irritability.

Severe side effects include allergic reaction to parts of the vaccine.

There is no proof that DTaP vaccine is linked to the development of autism.

No vaccine works all of the time. It is still possible, though unlikely, to get any of the three infections even after receiving all doses (shots) of DTaP.