DTaP Vaccine: What is it and Who is it for?

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are 3 types of bacterial diseases that can be prevented by combining vaccines. Diphtheria and pertussis are contagious diseases that transmit from person to person, whereas tetanus enters the body through open cuts or wounds¹.

According to the Centers for Disease Control¹, everyone should receive vaccinations to protect against these bacteria. Every child in Hong Kong receives the DTaP-IPV vaccine as part of the childhood immunisation schedule.

The vaccines are available in different combinations, including DTaP, Tdap, Td, and TD and are selected depending on age and other factors.

What is Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis?

Tetanus 

Tetanus (破傷風疫苗) is a rare bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani entering an open wound. Tetanus does not spread from one person to another. The bacteria causes symptoms of muscular contractions when it enters the body. Tetanus is also often known as "lockjaw" as it causes a person's neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it difficult to open or swallow².

Diphtheria

Diphtheria (白喉疫苗) is a contagious infection caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces the toxin diphtheria². It can affect the nose, throat and sometimes skin. The bacteria is spread by coughs, sneezes and through close contact with an infected person³. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and breathing problems. In more severe cases, it can result in heart failure and nerve damage⁴.

Pertussis

Also known as whooping cough, pertussis (百日咳疫苗) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is characterised by uncontrollable, severe coughing that makes it difficult to breathe. Pertussis patients frequently need to take long breaths after coughing episodes, resulting in a "whooping" sound².

What are the Different Combinations of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Vaccines?

A combination vaccine contains 2 or more vaccines in a single shot which can decrease the number of shots given.

DTaP Vaccine: What is it? 

The DTaP vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three severe bacterial infections: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Each component contains full-strength doses, providing effective immunity against these diseases.

Administered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, the DTaP vaccine helps to prevent the spread of these infections by generating a robust immune response. It is typically given in five doses during early childhood to ensure long-lasting protection. It is also recommended for pregnant women and adults 19 years or older who have never had the vaccine. Consult your healthcare provider to learn more about the DTaP vaccine and the appropriate schedule for your child.

¹DTaP- IPV Vaccine: Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis & Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine
²Tdap-IPV Vaccine: Diphtheria (reduced dose), Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (reduced dose) & Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine

Tdap & Td

Tdap vaccine has a reduced dose of diphtheria and pertussis. It provides additional protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough as it is given as a booster. It is recommended that preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 get one shot of Tdap to boost their immunity. Teens who did not receive Tdap as a preteen should get one shot the next time they see their doctor. Older children and adults should receive Td or Tdap vaccine boosters every 10 years to maintain protection⁶.

Pertussis Vaccine for Pregnant Women

On the 2nd of July 2020, the Hong Kong Department of Health launched a pertussis vaccination programme for pregnant women at Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs). The MCHCs administer pertussis vaccinations to women between the ages of 26 and 34 weeks of pregnancy to provide direct protection for their infants from pertussis⁷.

Pregnant women would be given a reduced dose of the pertussis vaccine. As infants only receive pertussis vaccine as early as 2 months of age, the antibodies produced in the pregnant women from the vaccine can be passed to the foetus before birth. This can provide direct protection against pertussis in the first few months of life when the infant has not yet completed their own vaccination⁸.

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can be prevented by administering combination vaccines. Visit your general practitioner for more information on which combination you and/or your child should receive. Try our website vaccine calculator, enabling you to generate a personalised immunisation schedule.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control. (2020). ‘Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know.’ CDC. 22 January 2020. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td/public/index.html> [Accessed 5 July 2021].
2. Centers for Disease Control (2020). ‘DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) VIS.’ CDC. 1 April 2020. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/dtap.html> [Accessed 5 July 2021].
3. National Health Service. (2018). ‘Diphtheria.’ NHS. 28 February 2018. Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diphtheria/> [Accessed 7 July 2021].
4. Family Health Service. (2017). ‘Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis & Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (DTaP-IPV Vaccine).’ Department of Health. July 2017. Available at: <https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/child/485.html> [Accessed 5 July 2021].
5. Family Health Service. (2021). ‘Schedule of Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme.’ Department of Health. 4 April 2021. Available at: <https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/main_ser/child_health/child_health_recommend.html> [Accessed 5 July 2021].
6. Centers for Disease Control. (2020). ‘Tetanus Vaccination.’ CDC. 22 January 22. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/tetanus/index.html> [Accessed 7 July 2021].
7. Hong Kong Department of Health. (2020). ‘DH to launch Pertussis Vaccination Programme for pregnant women in Hong Kong.’ DH. 28 June 2020. Available at: <https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202006/28/P2020062600583.htm> [Accessed 7 July 2021].Hong
8. Kong Hospital Authority (2020). ‘Diphtheria (reduced dose), tetanus & acellular pertussis (reduced dose) vaccine (dTap vaccine)’. HA. 29 May 2020. Available at: <https://www.ekg.org.hk/pilic/public/O&G_PILIC/O&G_Diphtheriareduceddosetetanus&acellularpertussisreduceddosevaccinedTapvaccine_0332_eng.pdf> [Accessed 8 July 2021].