infections
Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis Vaccine
Introduction
The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against these three diseases: Diphtheria usually causes inflammation of the throat and mucous membranes of the mouth. However, the bacteria that cause diphtheria produce a toxin that can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Diphtheria was once a leading cause of death in children. Tetanus (lockjaw) causes severe muscle spasms, which result from a toxin produced by bacteria. The bacteria usually enter the body through a wound. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious respiratory infection that is particularly dangerous to children younger than 2 years old and to people who have a weakened immune system. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine information statement. (See also Overview of Immunization .) The vaccine has two formulations: DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) for children under 7 years Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) for adolescents and adults . The lower doses are adequate for adolescents and adults. There is also a vaccine that contains only the tetanus and diphtheria components ( Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine ). 