DTaP

DTaP vaccine is given to prevent the three common child diseases of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

How do they spread?

• Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person.
• Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.

Diphtheria

Diphhtheria (D) can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death.

Tetanus

• Tetanus (T) causes painful stiffening of the muscles.
• Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth, having trouble swallowing and breathing, or death.

Pertussis

Pertussis (aP), also known as “whooping cough,” can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink.

DTaP vaccine

DTaP is only for children younger than 7 years old. Different vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap and Td) are available for older children, adolescents, and adults.

Vaccination schedule

It is recommended that children receive 5 doses of DTaP, usually at the following ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 15–18 months
• 4–6 years

How given?

• DTaP may be given as a stand-alone vaccine, or as part of a combination vaccine (a type of vaccine that combines more than one vaccine together into one shot).
• DTaP may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

FAQS

Can you help answer any of these frequently asked questions on DTaP?

Is Tdap vaccine safe?

1. Studies have found no association between Tdap vaccination and Guillain-Barré Syndrome or other neurologic disorders
2. cdc.gov
3. A 2017 review of 21 previous studies found no evidence that the Tdap vaccine poses any risk during pregnancy
4. medicalnewstoday.com
5. New research from federal authorities confirms the safety of diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccines
6. publications.aap.org* What is cocooning a baby?

Can Tdap cause miscarriage?

1. Getting the vaccine during pregnancy will not increase your risk for pregnancy complications
2. https://www.cdc.gov/cdc.gov
3. VAERS has not found any safety signals among pregnant women or their babies after Tdap vaccination
4. https://www.cdc.gov/cdc.gov

Does tdap need to be repeated?

Yes. Children starting the series on time should receive a 5-dose series of DTaP vaccine at

1. 2 months,
2. 4 months,
3. 6 months and at
4. 15 through 18 months and at
5. 4 years or older.

The fourth dose may be received as early as age 12 months, provided at least 6 months have elapsed since the third dose.

What shots do grandparents need?

The following vaccines are recommended for extended family of new born babies

1. Influenza vaccine
2. DTaP vaccine or Tdap
3. Pneumococcal vaccine
4. Shingles vaccine
5. MMR vaccine
6. COVID-19 vaccine

Can I refuse tdap while pregnant?

1. While you can refuse any medical treatment including DTaP /TDaP, it is important to note that Tdap vaccine is very safe for pregnant women and their babies.
2. You cannot get whooping cough from a Tdap vaccine. Getting the vaccine during pregnancy will not increase your risk for pregnancy complications.

Do grandparents need Tdap booster?

Yes. ACIP recommends a dose of Tdap be given to all adults, including those age 65 years or older.

Can Tdap vaccine cause stillbirth?

1. DTaP is not associated with excess risk for stillbirth - https://www.jwatch.org/jwatch.org
2. No significant association between stillbirths and exposure to influenza and Tdap vaccinations - https://stacks.cdc.gov/stacks.cdc.gov
3. No significant association between Tdap vaccination during pregnancy and stillbirth -https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. No evidence of increased adverse events for the infant who has been exposed in utero to Tdap vaccine - https://bmjopen.bmj.com/bmjopen.bmj.com

How long is Tdap vaccine effective?

10 years per CDC

Is the tetanus shot the same as Tdap?

No, but Tdap or DTaP had Tetanus vaccine in them

Why is my arm so sore after Tdap shot?

It is expected to be sore for a few days

Do fathers need whooping cough vaccine?

Yes. The Tdap vaccination (a combination vaccination that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is recommended for adolescents and adults — including dads, siblings, and grandparents — who will have contact with the infant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Do I need a Tdap shot to be around a baby?

Yes.

How far apart do DTaP vaccines need to be?

See the vaccination schedule as noted above

Can you help answer these questions?

1. What vaccines Cannot be given together?
2. Can Tdap and flu shot be given together?
3. Is it okay not to get Tdap while pregnant?
4. How long do tdap antibodies last in newborn?
5. Do grandparents need whooping cough vaccine?
6. Does my partner need whooping cough vaccine?
7. How long do you have to wait after Tdap shot?
8. Does the whooping cough vaccine make you sick?
9. Do you have to wait 2 weeks after Tdap vaccine?
10. Can you get other vaccines after Covid vaccine?
11. Can I get the Tdap vaccine at 37 weeks pregnant?
12. Do you need whooping cough vaccine to see a baby?

Resources

Frequently asked questions

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