The DTaP vaccine prevents against infection from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. These are serious and even life threatening infections, especially in young children. Children should receive four doses of DTaP by the time they are eighteen months old and a booster dose at their fourth birthday. Possible reactions to the DTaP vaccine include, a sore arm or leg, fever, being fussy, loss of appetite, feeling tired or vomiting. Uncommonly, your child may have moderate to severe reactions, including non stop crying for more than three hours, high fever, seizure, or your child becoming limp, pale, or less alert.
Severe reactions are very rare, but can include severe allergic reactions or severe brain reactions.
The booster doses of DTaP can also cause swelling of a child's whole arm or leg where the shot was given. If the swelling occurs after the fourth doses, it is not considered a contraindication to getting the fifth dose in the series. Another version of this vaccine is available. The DT vaccine can be given to children who have a problem with the pertussis component of the vaccine. Use our Vaccine Schedule program to print a customized immunization schedule for your child.