Available brands of this vaccine include:

• Boostrix® (Tdap for ages 10-18)
• Adacel^TM (Tdap for ages 11-64)
• Daptacel® (DTaP)
• Infanrix® (DTaP)
• Tripedia® (DTaP)
• TriHIBit® (DTaP combined with Haemophilus influenza vaccine)
• Pediarix® (DTaP combined with Hepatitis B vaccine and inactivated poliovirus vaccine)
• DT (pediatric diphtheria and tetanus vaccine without pertussis)
• DECAVAC® (adult tetanus, diphtheria booster vaccine)
• TT (tetanus vaccine booster)

The DTaP is a vaccine against diseases caused by 3 different bacteria: diphtheria (Corynebacterium diphtheriae), tetanus (Clostridium tetani), and pertussis (Bordatella pertussis). The vaccine is made from sterile diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (modified toxins that are non-toxic) and 3 different pertussis antigens; there are no live bacteria in this vaccine. The Td is a diphtheria and tetanus booster for adults. The Tdap is a one-time booster containing the Td components plus the acellular petussis. The Tdap would also be used for adult catch-up series. The TT is a tetanus vaccine without diphtheria or pertussis vaccine components.

This vaccine can prevent the diseases caused by 3 different bacteria. Diphtheria infects the throat and can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, and death. Tetanus, also called lockjaw, can cause tightening of muscles all over the body, inability to open the mouth, and death. Pertussis infection, also called whooping cough, causes terrible coughing, pneumonia, and even death.

The DTaP vaccine is given into the muscle of the anterolateral thigh or deltoid. The Tdap is given into the deltoid muscle. The Td vaccine is given into the muscle of the mid-thigh laterally or into the deltoid.

DTaP: This vaccine is not recommended for those who have had a serious reaction to a prior DTaP dose or those who had a brain or nervous system illness (such as high fever, seizure, or prolonged crying) within 7 days of a prior dose. Some people with these kinds of problems may be advised to get just the DT component of the vaccine, and omit the acellular pertussis component.

After the DTaP shot, fever and/or redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site may develop. This is more common after the 4th and 5th doses. Fussiness, fatigue, and vomiting may also occur. More serious problems are less likely. These can include seizures, crying for greater than 3 hours, or high fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Very rarely there have been cases of severe allergic reaction, ongoing seizure disorder, and brain damage. It is recommended that children with a history of seizures be treated with an aspirin-free pain reliever at the time of the shot and for 24 hours afterwards. Report any serious reactions to your doctor immediately.

Tdap: This vaccine is not recommended for those who have had a serious reaction to any component of the vaccine or any related vaccine. If you have a history of coma or seizures after a DTP or DTaP, the vaccine is not recommended unless it is clear that there was another cause of the problem. People with other nervous system diseases may not be able to get the vaccine. Safety has not been proven in pregnancy, although it is under evaluation. Check with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

After the Tdap shot mild reactions like pain, soreness, or swelling at the injection site may occur. In some cases low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, aches, or rash may also occur. Rarely symptoms at the injection site and more severe systemic symptoms may develop. Severe reactions including nervous system reactions should be reported immediately.

Td: This vaccine is not recommended for those who have had a serious reaction to it or to another diphtheria or tetanus vaccine. It is preferred that women be vaccinated when not pregnant. Safety in pregnancy is not proven, but this vaccine can be given in pregnacy if necessary. Talk to your doctor. Also, check with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Mild reactions to the Td include soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site. This could be worse if the vaccine is given very often. Serious allergic reactions are rare. Painful muscle wasting of the arm or arms may start 2 days to 4 weeks after the vaccine, but is very rare.

Individuals with prior severe reactions to this vaccine may not be able to receive another dose. Check with your doctor regarding this issue and for any other contraindications for this vaccine. Also check with your doctor to find out what other ingredients may be in the vaccine, its container, or any diluent in case of allergies or other concerns. Immunization is usually postponed for individuals with a moderate or severe acute illness.

• For diphtheria: non-immune patient with crowded environment and poor hygiene
• For tetanus: non-immune patient with open wounds, especially obtained outdoors and when wound was in contact with soil
• For pertussis: non-immune patient; before vaccines most cases were in infants and small children, but now more is seen in teenagers and adults