Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine
(DTaP)
What are other names for this medicine?
Type of medicine: vaccine
Generic and brand names: diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine, injection; Acel-Imune; DTP vaccine, acellular; DTaP vaccine; Tripedia
What is this medicine used for?
The DTaP vaccine is given by injection (shots) to immunize children against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), which are serious childhood diseases.
How do I use it?
This vaccine is given by your child's health care provider. The DTaP vaccine is given after three doses of the primary DTP vaccine (DTwP) and can be started at 15 or 17 months of age (depending on the brand used). This shot is the fourth or fifth in a series. A dose may be given when a child is 4 to 6 years old, usually before entering kindergarten or elementary school. This vaccination series usually provides protection for at least 10 years. Pertussis vaccine must not be given to adults or children after their 7th birthday.
What should I watch out for?
It is very important that these vaccinations are given on schedule to provide protection from these serious diseases. Keep all appointments for injections and check-ups.
If there are any signs of an allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, trouble breathing), contact your health care provider or get emergency medical help immediately.
Fever of 100 to 102°F may occur within 72 hours after a vaccination. If the fever continues or gets worse, contact your health care provider. The child may take an appropriate dosage of acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help reduce the fever.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as the body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if your child has any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, trouble breathing), high fever.
Other: Diarrhea, loose stools, runny nose, vomiting, rash.
What products might interact with this medicine?
When your child takes this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Also, using these medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if your child is taking any of these medicines:
- blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- drugs that suppress the immune system (this vaccine may not be effective).
Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat your child about all the products your child is taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
