Who should get the DTaP vaccine?

What are DTaP and Tdap vaccines? Who should get these vaccines? What are the side effects of these vaccines? We cover the answers to the questions and more

What is the DTaP vaccine?

The DTaP vaccine prevents three diseases: diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), and pertussis (aP). This product is available as a suspension and is injected into a muscle (Intramuscular Route).

Diphtheria:

This disease is a severe bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Due to the widespread vaccination against this disease, its prevalence is very rare in the United States. Symptoms of this disease include the following:
– Difficulty breathing
– Heart failure
– Paralysis
– Death

Tetanus:

This disease is caused by a bacterial toxin and affects the nervous system. Painful muscle contractions, especially in the jaw and neck, are complications of this infection. Fortunately, the prevalence of this disease is very low these days. Symptoms of this disease include the following:
– Stiffness and spasm in the jaw and neck muscles
– Difficulty swallowing
– Abdominal muscle stiffness

Pertussis:

This condition, also called Whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Symptoms of this disease include:
– Runny nose and nasal congestion
– Redness of the eyes
– Fever
– Cough
– Red or blue face
– Severe fatigue
– Provoke vomiting

Who should get the DTaP vaccine?

The DTaP vaccine is only for children under seven years of age (6 weeks through 6 years of age). Older children, adolescents, and adults should receive Tdap and Td vaccines to prevent these infectious diseases. CDC advises that children get five doses of the DTaP vaccine in the following steps:

• Two months
• Four months
• Six months
• 15–18 months
• 4–6 years

If your child is not feeling good due to a serious illness, it is best to wait until the child has recovered then get the vaccine.

Side effects of DTaP vaccine:

Redness and swelling at the injection site

• Fever
• Fussiness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

More serious complications that may occur are:

• Seizures
• Non-stop crying that will last for three hours or more
• Fever above 105 ° F
• Swelling of the entire arm or leg, especially in older children when they receive their fourth or fifth dose.
• Long-term seizures
• Coma
• Lowered consciousness
• Permanent brain damage

What is the Tdap vaccine?

This vaccine is also effective against tetanus (T), diphtheria (D), and pertussis (aP). Unlike the previous one, the Tdap vaccine is given to children over seven years of age, adolescents, and adults. This vaccine is also available as a suspension and is injected into a muscle (Intramuscular Route).

Who should get the Tdap vaccine?

Based on CDC recommendations:

• Adolescents: They should receive a single dose of Tdap, preferably at the age of 11 or 12.
• Pregnant women: A dose of Tdap should be given during pregnancy to protect the newborn against pertussis. Infants are at risk for life-threatening complications of pertussis. Remember that this vaccine should be given early in the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Adults: People who have never received Tdap should get a dose of it.

In 2010 there were 27,550 reported cases of whooping cough, while in 2012, which got large outbreaks, there were more than 42,000 in the United States. You should get the Tdap vaccine at least two weeks before visiting the baby. And the mom-to-be should also receive this vaccine during her 3d trimester.

Whooping cough spreads out quickly and can cause severe illness and even death. In addition, it is highly hazardous to infants under six months of age who are too young to stay protected by vaccines from whooping cough. Babies who get whooping cough usually catch it from family, including grandparents, who may not be aware of their condition.

Director of CDC (The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Nancy Messonnier CLAIMS: “That’s why parents, grandparents, and other family members must get a Tdap shot: to prevent from getting and spreading whooping cough.”

Most adults were vaccinated against whooping cough in childhood. However, protection fades away over time. Tdap is recommended for all adults, especially pregnant women and teenagers. It is vital to have a shot if you’re going to be around a baby.

Tdap vaccine protects you from whooping cough and the severe symptoms that last about ten weeks.

Side effects of Tdap vaccine

Side effects of this vaccine include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling in the injection site
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ache
• Chills
• Body aches or sore joints
• Rash and swollen glands

Precautions for DTaP and Tdap vaccines

If you suffer from one of these complications, contact your vaccine provider immediately:

• You have experienced allergic and dangerous symptoms after receiving the previous dose of the vaccine.
• You have experienced symptoms such as coma, loss of consciousness, and long-term seizures after receiving the previous dose of the vaccine.
• If you have neurological problems or seizures
• If you have Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• You have experienced severe pain and swelling after receiving the previous dose of the vaccine.

We tried to cover all you need to know about the DTaP and Tdap Vaccines. The provided information is driven from the most commonly asked questions by our clients at Southern Nevada Occupational Health Center (SNOHC). For further details about our services, you can navigate through the menu of this website. Please contact us for your further questions.

Difference between DTaP and Tdap vaccines

Both vaccines protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, but in different age groups. Children under seven should receive DTaP, and people over seven should receive Tdap. The DTaP vaccine contains a full-strength dose of all three vaccines, but the Tdap contains a full-strength dose of tetanus and a lower dose of diphtheria and whooping cough.

DTaP or Tdap vaccines and pregnancy

According to CDC recommendations, this Tdap should be used at 27 and 36 weeks. Even if a person has received the vaccine in the last ten years, they should still get it during pregnancy.

Do people still need Tdap if they have had the TDaP vaccine?

Keep in mind Tdap is used as a booster. On the other hand, the immunity of DTaP vaccine decreases over time. So despite receiving DTaP, you should still receive Tdap.

Frequently Asked Questions about DTap Vaccine

What is DTaP vccine?
The DTaP vaccine prevents three diseases: diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), and pertussis (aP). This product is available as a suspension and is injected into a muscle.
What is tdap?
This vaccine is effective against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus and is suitable for people over 7 years old.
Is tdap the same as dtap?
DTaP is for people under age 7 to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Tdap is for people over age 7.
How often should you get the DTaP vaccine?
Children get five doses of the DTaP vaccine in two, four, and six months, 15–18 months, and 4-6 years, respectively.
Who needs Tdap vaccine?
This vaccine is for people aged 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults. Adolescents must receive one dose of Tdap, preferably at age 11 or 12.