What is it?
Diphtheria is a bacterial disease that causes a sore throat, mild fever, and can completely block a person’s airway. Diphtheria can cause breathing and heart problems, coma, paralysis, and death. It is spread by coughing and sneezing.
What can I do?
The DTaP vaccine is used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Kids should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years.
Is it safe?
Yes, DTaP vaccine is safe. Severe allergic reactions are rare and occur in about 1 in 1 million doses.
| Vaccine | 2 Months |
4 Months |
6 Months |
12 Months |
15 Months |
18 Months |
4-6 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) | DTaP* | DTaP* | DTaP* | DTaP‡ | DTaP* | DTaP* |
|
Age > Vaccine |
2 months |
4 months |
6 months |
12 months |
15 months |
18 months |
4-6 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) |
DTaP* | DTaP* | DTaP* | DTaP‡ | DTaP* | DTaP* | |
| * - Your child should get the vaccine at this age or age range. If he misses a dose, get it as soon as possible. | ‡ - Your child can get the 4th dose of DTaP as early as age 12 months. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information. |