Chloe Ramirez
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes violent coughing fits followed by a whoop sound. It can be life-threatening, especially for newborn babies, who are at risk of developing severe complications such as pneumonia, convulsions, and brain damage. The best way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination, and there are two main types of pertussis vaccines available: DTaP and Tdap. DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis) is recommended for young children, while Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis) is a booster shot for preteens, teens, and adults. Both vaccines are effective in preventing pertussis and are usually well-tolerated, with mild and transient side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | DTaP, Tdap, Daptacel®, Quadracel®, Vaxelis®, Adacel®, Boostrix® |
| Protects against | Whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus |
| Administered to | Babies, young children, preteens, teens, adults, pregnant women |
| Number of shots | Babies: 3-5 shots; Preteens and teens: 1-2 shots; Adults: 1 shot every 10 years |
| Age | Babies: 6 weeks to under 7 years; Preteens and teens: 11-12 years; Adults: N/A |
| Side effects | Pain, swelling, redness, body aches, nausea or vomiting, reduced appetite |
| Serious reactions | Swelling of the entire arm or leg, febrile seizures, long periods of crying |
| Allergies | Do not get vaccinated if you have a life-threatening allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine |
| Other conditions | Consult a doctor if you have seizures, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or other nervous system problems |
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What You'll Learn
DTaP vaccines for children
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious illness that affects people of all ages and can be deadly, especially for newborn babies. It is named for the "whoop" sound people can make after coughing fits. The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated.
The DTaP vaccine protects young children from diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. It is given to children under the age of seven as a series of five shots. The first dose is typically administered when the child is two months old, followed by shots at four months, six months, 15-18 months, and four-to-six years. The DTaP vaccine may be available at a doctor's office, local pharmacies, neighbourhood health clinics, departments, churches, and schools. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines at a lower price or for free to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them or do not have access to insurance.
Older children need one booster shot of the Tdap vaccine at age 11 or 12 as part of their routine vaccine schedule. The Tdap vaccine protects preteens, teens, and adults from tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Pregnant women are also advised to get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably in the second half, between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation.
While rare, some children may experience mild to serious reactions to the DTaP vaccine, such as pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. In rare cases, swelling of the entire arm or leg can occur, usually in older children receiving their fourth or fifth shot. If a child has a bad reaction to the pertussis vaccine in DTaP, they should not take another dose. However, there is an alternative vaccine called DT or Td that will protect them from diphtheria and tetanus.
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Tdap vaccines for adults
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious and serious illness that can affect people of all ages. It is caused by a type of bacteria and is named for the "whoop" sound people can make after coughing fits. Babies are at the greatest risk of contracting whooping cough and facing severe complications, including pneumonia, convulsions, and brain damage.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is recommended for preteens, teens, and adults who did not receive the vaccine during childhood. The CDC advises that adults who have never received the Tdap vaccine should get a dose, followed by a booster shot every 10 years. Pregnant women should also receive a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably during the early part of the third trimester, to protect their newborns from pertussis.
Tdap vaccines are available at healthcare providers' offices, pharmacies, and clinics. They are usually covered by insurance. The Tdap vaccine can cause mild side effects, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache. These side effects typically go away within a few days. However, it is important to seek immediate medical attention and call 911 if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness.
It is important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions or a history of severe reactions to vaccines should consult their healthcare provider before receiving the Tdap vaccine. For example, those with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, seizures, or other nervous system problems should discuss their medical history with their doctor before vaccination.
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Pregnancy and the pertussis vaccine
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a serious infection that causes long bouts of coughing and choking, making it hard to breathe. It is particularly dangerous for newborn babies, who can develop severe complications such as pneumonia, convulsions, and brain damage. To prevent this, the CDC recommends that all pregnant women receive a booster shot of the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccine during each pregnancy. This helps protect both the mother and the infant from developing whooping cough.
The Tdap vaccine is safe for use during pregnancy and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The CDC and FDA closely monitor vaccine safety and have not found any adverse events among pregnant women or their babies after Tdap vaccination. The vaccine does not contain any live bacteria and cannot give someone whooping cough. While mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site may occur, severe side effects are extremely rare.
Ideally, pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, preferably during the earlier part of this period. This timing allows for the greatest number of protective antibodies to be transferred to the infant. The antibodies peak about two weeks after vaccination in the mother and provide passive protection to the baby until they can receive their own vaccinations at two months old. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy lowers the risk of whooping cough in babies younger than two months old by 78% and prevents 91% of hospitalized cases.
Pregnant women can receive the Tdap vaccine at their doctor's office or pharmacy, and it is usually covered by insurance. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider about vaccination history and any specific concerns or contraindications. The Tdap vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect both mothers and infants from the serious complications of whooping cough.
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Side effects of the pertussis vaccine
The pertussis vaccine is also known as the whooping cough vaccine. It is recommended for babies, children, teens, adults, and pregnant women. There are two types of vaccines that include protection against whooping cough: the DTaP vaccine and the Tdap vaccine. The DTaP vaccine protects young children from diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, while the Tdap vaccine protects preteens, teens, and adults from tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
While the pertussis vaccine is generally safe, as with any medicine, there is a chance of side effects. Most side effects are mild to moderate and can last from 1 to 3 days. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Other possible side effects include mild fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachache. These side effects typically resolve within a few days and are not cause for concern.
However, in rare cases, more serious reactions can occur. Severe allergic reactions following vaccination are uncommon but can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Additionally, there have been reports of adverse events following the pertussis vaccine, including central nervous system disorders such as infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia, aseptic meningitis, and encephalopathy. Encephalopathy is a rare but serious condition that alters brain function and has been associated with the pertussis vaccine in some cases. However, several studies of the DTaP vaccine have found no increased risk of neurologic problems or seizures in children who have received the vaccine.
It is important to weigh the benefits of the pertussis vaccine against the potential risks. While side effects and adverse events may occur, the vaccine is highly effective in preventing whooping cough, which can be a serious and even deadly illness, especially in infants.
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Availability of the pertussis vaccine
The pertussis vaccine, which protects against whooping cough, is available in two main types: whole-cell vaccines and acellular vaccines. The whole-cell vaccine is about 78% effective, while the acellular vaccine is 71–85% effective. The effectiveness of both vaccines decreases over time, with the acellular vaccine declining faster. The vaccine is only available in combination with tetanus and diphtheria vaccines (DTaP or Tdap vaccine).
In the United States, the DTaP vaccine is recommended for young children as part of their routine vaccine schedule. It is given in a series of five shots at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months of age. The Tdap vaccine is recommended for preteens, teens, and adults as a booster shot at age 11 or 12, and then every 10 years. Pregnant women should also receive a Tdap booster during each pregnancy, preferably during the third trimester, to protect their babies from whooping cough in the first few months of life.
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines for children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. Federally funded health centers can also provide services for those without a regular source of healthcare. Vaccines are typically available at healthcare providers' offices or pharmacies and are usually covered by insurance.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the pertussis vaccine for children is DTaP.
The name of the pertussis vaccine for adults is Tdap.
The "T" in DTaP and Tdap stands for tetanus.
