A Clinician’s Handbook for Childhood & Adult Immunizations in Georgia

DTaP

Pathophysiology

Diphtheria

Bacteria

Respiratory transmission

Incubation 2-5 days

Tetanus

Bacteria

Enters the body through a wound

Incubation 3-21 days

Pertussis

Bacteria Respiratory transmission
Incubation 5-10 days

Vaccine Description

Inactivated polysaccharide vaccine, containing diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid & acellular pertussis. This vaccine is licensed for administration only to children 6 weeks through 6 years of age. If child is 7 years of age or older, only Td and Tdap vaccines should be administered. (See Td/Tdap section of this booklet)

Dose & Route

0.5 mL given IM

 

Dose Recommended Age

Dose 1 @ 2 months
Dose 2 @ 4 months
Dose 3 @ 6 months
Dose 4* @15-18 mo (1st booster dose)
Dose 5* @ 4-6 yrs (2nd booster dose)

Administration Schedule

*Dose #4 may be administered at 12 months of age if separated by at least 6 months from Dose #3. Dose #4 does not need to be repeated if it has been inadvertently administered ≥4 months after Dose #3.
The #5 Booster Dose is not needed if Dose #4 is given on or after the 4th birthday.

Minimum Intervals

Dose 1 @ 6 weeks of age
Dose 2 @ 4 weeks from dose 1
Dose 3 @ 4 weeks from dose 2
Dose 4 @ No less than 6 months from dose 3
Dose 5* @ No less than 6 months from dose 4

Booster doses:

  • *15 – 18 months of age
  • *4 – 6 years of age
  • 11 – 12 years of age
    • Tdap vaccine should be given as a booster at 11-12 years of age. Tdap may be administered regardless of the interval since the last tetanus-and diphtheria-toxoid- containing vaccine (See Td/Tdap section of this booklet)
    • A dose of Tdap or DTaP administered at 10 years of age may now be counted as the adolescent Tdap
    • A dose of Tdap or DTaP administered at 7 through 9 years of age should not be counted as the adolescent dose, and Tdap should be administered at 11-12 years of age.
    • Two diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccines (Tdap) are licensed:
      • BoostrixTM for administration to persons 10 years of age and older
      • AdacelTM for administration to persons 10-64 years of age
    • Every 10 years thereafter for life
      • Td or Tdap vaccine should be given every 10 years after the administration of Tdap at 11-12 years of age. (See Td/Tdap section of this booklet)

    Contraindications

    • Anaphylactic reaction to any of the vaccine components.
    • Life threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of DTaP or DT (Pediatric diphtheria and tetanus vaccine which is used in lieu of DTaP only if there is a contraindication to pertussis vaccine).
    • Encephalopathy within 7 days of a previous dose not attributable to another identifiable cause.

    Precautions

    • Acute, moderate, or severe illness with or without fever immunize as soon as illness subsides.
    • Temperature of 105 degrees within 48 hours after a previous dose of DTP/DTaP.
    • Collapse or shock-like state within 48 hours after receiving a previous dose of DTP/DTaP.
    • Persistent, inconsolable crying lasting >3 hours, occurring within 48 hours.
    • Convulsions with or without fever occurring within 3 days.

    Special Situations

    • Wound management in children less than age 7 years with history of 3 or more doses of tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccine: for all wounds except clean and minor wounds, administer DTaP if more than 5 years since last dose of tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccine.
    Download - DTaP Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis Pdf