diphtheria + tetanus + pertussis

Diphtheria + tetanus + pertussis refers to a combination vaccine used to protect against three serious bacterial diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). The vaccine is available in two main formulations: - DTaP, which is given to infants and children under 7 years old as a series of five shots. - Tdap, which is administered as a booster for older children (age 11 or 12), adolescents, adults, and pregnant women. These vaccines are inactivated (killed) vaccines that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the toxins produced by *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* (diphtheria), *Clostridium tetani* (tetanus), and *Bordetella pertussis* (pertussis). The mechanism of action involves inducing immunity by exposing the body to harmless forms of these toxins or bacterial components. This helps prevent severe complications such as airway obstruction from diphtheria, muscle spasms from tetanus, and respiratory distress from pertussis. The primary indication for this combination vaccine is active immunization against these three diseases[1][2][3][4][5]. Developed by: Sanofi Pasteur

Brand names

DAPTACEL

Other names

DTaPTdap