Diphtheria, Tetanus, and
Pertussis (DTaP)
What are diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis?Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are serious diseases.
- Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that can infect the body
in two areas:
- the throat (respiratory diphtheria)
- the skin (skin or cutaneous diphtheria)
The diphtheria bacterium can enter the body through the nose and
mouth. However, it can also enter through a break in the skin. It
is transmitted from person-to-person by respiratory secretions or
droplets in the air. After being exposed to the bacteria, it usually
takes two to four days for symptoms to develop. It can lead to breathing
problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.
- Tetanus (lockjaw) is an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central
nervous system, caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium, which
usually enters the body through an open wound. Tetanus causes painful
tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to
"locking" of the jaw so the person cannot open his/her mouth
or swallow.
Tetanus is not a contagious illness. It occurs in individuals who
have had a skin or deep tissue wound or puncture. It is also seen
in the umbilical stump of infants in underdeveloped countries. This
occurs in places where immunization to tetanus is not widespread and
women may not know proper care of the umbilical stump after the baby
is born. After being exposed to tetanus, it may take between two days
to two months to develop any symptoms. In infants, symptoms may take
between five days to two weeks to develop.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) mainly affects infants and young children.
Caused by a bacterium, it is characterized by paroxysms (intense fits
or spells) of coughing that end with the characteristic whoop as air
is inhaled. Whooping cough causes coughing spells so bad that it is
hard for infants and children to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells
can last for weeks.
Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis.
It is spread through children from exposure to infected persons through
droplets in the air (coughing and sneezing), and is highly contagious.
Once the bacteria is in the child's airways, swelling of the airways
and mucus production begins. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain
damage, and death.
Immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and
pertussis:Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines prevent these
diseases. Most children who receive all of their shots will be protected
during childhood. A combination vaccine is given to babies and children
and provides protection against all three diseases. There are several
types of the vaccine, including the following:
- DTaP vaccine:
- protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
- newer form of the vaccine, is less likely to cause reactions than
former types
- DT or Td boosters:
- protects against diphtheria and tetanus
- for persons 7 years of age and older
- recommended every 10 years
When are DTaP vaccines given?DTaP vaccines are given to babies and children at the following
ages:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 15 to 18 months
- 4 to 6 years
- 11 to 12 years
Every 10 years, a person should receive a tetanus booster. Some
children should not get the DTaP vaccines, or should get them later. These
include children who:
- previously had a moderate or serious reaction after getting
vaccinated.
- previously had a seizure.
- have a parent or sibling who has had a seizure.
- have a brain problem that is becoming worse.
- currently have a moderate or severe illness.
Your child's physician will advise you about vaccines in these
situations.
What are the risks from DTaP vaccines?As with any medication, vaccines carry a small risk of serious
harm, such as a severe allergic reaction or even death. If there are
reactions, they usually start within three days and do not last long. Most
people have no serious reactions from these vaccines. Reactions are much
less likely after DTaP than older forms of the vaccine. Common reactions
to these vaccines may include the following:
- sore arm or leg
- fussiness
- fatigue
- fever
- decreased appetite
- vomiting
Severe reactions such as very high fever, seizures, or allergic
reactions to these vaccines are rare.
How do I care for my child after immunization with
DTaP vaccine?
- Give your child aspirin-free pain reliever for 24 hours after the
shot, or as directed by your child's physician. This is important if
your child has had a seizure or has a parent, brother, or sister who has
had a seizure.
- Watch for signs of reaction such as high fever, behavior change,
seizure, or difficulty breathing. Report these or any other unusual
signs immediately to your child's physician.
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