Diphtheria and pertussis spread when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Tetanus is caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound.
Vaccination is the best way to protect again diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Because most children get the vaccines, there are now many fewer cases of these diseases. There would be many more cases if we stopped vaccinating children. Most children should have a total of 5 DTP vaccines. Like DTP, it prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It is only given for the 4th and 5th doses.