Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccines

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

1. Why get vaccinated?

Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are serious diseases.

Diphtheria

• Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat.
• It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death

Tetanus (Lockjaw)

• 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 mouth or swallow. Tetanus can lead to death.

Pertussis (Whooping cough)

• Pertussis causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard for infants to eat, drink, or breathe. These can last for weeks.
• It can lead to pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring spells), brain damage, and death.

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines prevent these diseases. Most children who get all their shots will be protected during childhood. Many more children would get these diseases if we stopped vaccinating.

2. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines

DTP vaccine

• Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
• Used for many years

DTaP vaccine

• Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
• Newer than DTP

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends DTaP over DTP This is because DTaP is less likely to cause reactions than DTP

Related vaccines

• Combinations: To reduce the number of shots a child must get, DTP or DTaP may be available in combination with other vaccines. 
• DT protects against diphtheria and tetanus, but not pertussis. It only is recommended for children who should not get pettussis vaccine.