The DTaP vaccine is an injection that prevents diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis infections. Diphtheria can cause serious breathing and swallowing problems. Tetanus, also called lockjaw, causes your neck and jaw muscles to lock up. Pertussis (whooping cough) causes repeated and prolonged coughing fits.
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DIPHTHERIA; TETANUS; PERTUSSIS VACCINE (dif THEER ee uh; TET n us; per TUS iss VAK seen) reduces the risk of diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). It does not treat diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis. It is still possible to get diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis after receiving this vaccine, but the symptoms may be less severe or not last as long. It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off a future infection.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adacel, Boostrix, Certiva, Daptacel, Infanrix, Tripedia
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This vaccine is injected into a muscle. It is given by your care team.
A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. This sheet may change often.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While the DTaP vaccine may be given to children as young as 6 weeks and the Tdap vaccine may be given to children as young as 10 years old, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
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This medication may interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
See your care team for all shots of this vaccine as directed.
Report any side effects to your care team right away.
This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This vaccine is only given by your care team. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.