The DTaP  vaccine protects your  child against 3 diseases namely diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis ( whooping cough ). This vaccine is a safer version of an older vaccine called DTP. DTP is no longer used in the United States.

Who should get the DTap vaccine and when ?

This vaccine comprises 5  shots from birth till age 6. A booster shot is given in adulthood .

Schedule

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

 
Dtap is not given to children 7 years and older. Similar vaccines know as Tdap and Td are given to children from 7 years through adulthood. These are booster vaccines and are given because immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis wears off. A single dose of  Tdap is recommended for people ages  11 through 64 . Tp which  protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis is recommended every 10 years. It is advised that pregnant women get Tdap vaccine preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation.

Who should not get the vaccine ?

You don’t have to get the vaccine if you fall into this category :

 
• children younger than 6 weeks
• a child who suffered brain or nervous system disease within 7 days after a dose of DTaP should not get another dose.
• a child who had a serious allergic reaction after receiving a dose of the vaccine should not be given another dose. Such reactions include , difficulty breathing, hives, fainting, high fever, seizure nonstop crying for three or more hours or coma

Who should wait ?

A child with something more severe than a cold or a has a fever should have the vaccination rescheduled until after the child is recovered.

Risk associated with the Dtap vaccine .

A vaccine like  any medication can cause serious allergic reaction however this risk is very small.

Mild problems : These are common  and usually occur 1 – 3 days after getting the shot. They include the following :

 
• fussiness
• vomiting
• poor appetite
• tiredness

 
Moderate problems : These are uncommon and include :

 
• high fever
• seizures
• non- stop crying, for 3 hours or more

 
Severe problems : These are rare that it is hard to tell if the vaccine is the cause. They may include :

 
• severe allergic reaction
• permanent brain damage
• long – term  seizures, coma, or lowered consciousness

 
You can control fever and pain by giving your child an aspirin-free pain reliever when the shot is given, and for the next 24 hours. Following the package instructions carefully.

What do I do if my child has a serious allergic reaction ?

Look for the following signs in your signs in your child

 
• very high fever
• behavioral change
• allergic reactions such as  difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, hives, swelling of face and throat, dizziness, and weakness

 
If you child is experiencing any of these call your emergency number or 911 immediately. After that you or your doctor should  report it  to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) through the VAERS website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.