Acellular Pertussis Vaccines Duration Of Protection: Clinical Trials
Efficacy estimates for licensed DTaP vaccines were limited not only by the short follow up time period, but also by use of the strict WHO case definitions which are known to overestimate vaccine efficacy, presumably because severe cases are more likely to meet the WHO definition and the vaccine may attenuate severity without preventing disease altogether. Using a milder case definition of cough > 7 d, the efficacy of DTaP compared with placebo decreased to 71% in the Italian trial, and the efficacy of DTaP declined to 78% in the Sweden 1992 Efficacy Trial.
The Sweden 1992 Efficacy Trial did not conduct similar long-term follow up studies, although other studies in Sweden sought to estimate the duration of protection following infant receipt of DTaP. These studies evaluated differing DTaP formulations, combinations, and vaccine schedule than are used in the US , thus it is not possible to directly compare results of these long-term studies in Sweden with those of the Italian follow up studies.
Recommendations For Tdap Immunization For Adolescents 11 Through 18 Years Of Age
Adolescents 11 through 18 years of age should receive a single dose of Tdap instead of Td for booster immunization against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis if they have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series and have not received Tdap.8 The preferred age for Tdap vaccination is 11 to 12 years of age .
Adolescents 11 through 18 years of age who received Td, but not Tdap, are encouraged to receive a single dose of Tdap to provide protection against pertussis if they have completed the recommended childhood DTP/DTaP vaccination series.84,110 If more doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids are needed to complete the primary series in such older children, Td should be used.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Reasons to Defer Tdap or Td Among Adolescents 11 Through 18 Years of Age.
Contraindications to Tdap include a history of serious allergic reaction to vaccine components or encephalopathy not attributable to an identifiable cause within 7 days of administration of a vaccine with pertussis components. This is a contraindication to use of the pertussis components Td can be used.
Special Situations for Tdap and Td Use Among Adolescents 11 Through 18 Years of Age.
Who Should Avoid Getting The Tdap Vaccine
Although the risk of having a severe allergic reaction to a Tdap vaccine is very low, certain people should avoid getting the Tdap vaccine, including:
- people who have had a previous life threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis
- people who were in a coma or had seizures within 7 days of a childhood dose of DTP or DTaP, or a previous dose of Tdap
- anyone under the age of 7 years old
Talk with your doctor if you have seizures or another condition that affects the nervous system.
Also, let your doctor know if youve ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome or if youve ever experienced severe pain or swelling after any previous vaccine containing diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis.
A healthcare professionals office such as a pediatrician, family practitioner, or community health clinic is usually the best place to receive a Tdap vaccine.
These vaccines may also be available for adults at:
- pharmacies
- health departments
- other community locations, such as schools and religious centers
You can also reach out to federally funded health centers as well as your state health department to learn where to get a vaccine near you.
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Are There Any Side
Generally speaking very mild reactions are common, but it is rare to have a severe side-effect.
- Slight swelling and redness at the injection site are common.
- A little area of hard skin may form at the injection site, which usually disappears in time.
- Sometimes, a high temperature occurs a few hours after the injection and the baby may become irritable.
- Occasionally the baby may have some mild diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
- Serious reactions are extremely rare.
If necessary, you can give a child paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease any pain and fever if your child seems distressed. Occasionally, a baby may cry or be irritable for a few hours following immunisation. If this appears to be extreme, or lasts for more than a few hours, you should seek a doctor’s advice.
What Is The Difference Between Dtp And Tdap

DTaP produces fewer side effects and is a safer version of an older vaccine called DTP, which is no longer used in the United States. Tdap vaccine is licensed for people 10 years through 64 years of age. Tdap contains a lower concentration of diphtheria and pertussis toxoids than DTaP. Tdap is given at 11-12 years.
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Immunogenicity And Vaccine Efficacy
Today, diphtheria and tetanus are at historic low rates in the United States. No one has ever studied the efficacy of tetanus toxoid and diphtheria toxoid in a vaccine trial. However experts infer efficacy from protective antitoxin levels. A complete vaccine series has a clinical efficacy of virtually 100% for tetanus and 97% for diphtheria. A complete series is 3 doses for people 7 years or older and 4 doses for children younger than 7.
In regard to pertussis, there has been an overall increasing trend in reported cases since the 1980s. In spite of this, pertussis affects many fewer people today than before pertussis-containing vaccines became widely available in the 1940s. There are several reasons to help explain why we are seeing more cases recently:
- Increased awareness
- More circulation of the bacteria
- Waning immunity
The acellular pertussis vaccines now used in the United States do not protect for as long as the prior whole cell pertussis vaccine. CDC is looking into whether molecular changes to may also be contributing to the resurgence.
In studies demonstrating the efficacy of the pertussis component for children who get all 5 doses on schedule, DTaP fully protects:
- 98% of children within the year following the last dose
- About 71% of children 5 years after getting the last dose of DTaP
In studies demonstrating the efficacy of the pertussis component, Tdap fully protects:
What Are The Contraindications And Precautions Associated With The Vaccine
Everyone needs protection against tetanus. It is important not to miss this vaccine without a compelling reason.
Postpone an ordinary DTaP booster if the recipient has a fever or a febrile infection. Sometimes a DTaP vaccination needs to be administered, for example to a patient with a deep, dirty wound, even if they did have a fever.
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If I Had The Dtp Vaccine As A Child Do I Need The Booster Vaccine For Pertussis
Yes. Adults who have not previously gotten the Tdap vaccine should receive a single dose. Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks gestation during each pregnancy because pertussis can be fatal to young infants. Although any time during this window is fine, public health personnel suggest earlier rather than later during the window for maximum protection for the baby.
The Tdap vaccine is also recommended for all adolescents 11 or 12 years old.
What Is The Tdap Vaccine
Tdap stands for tetanus , diphtheria, , and acellular pertussis . The Tdap vaccine became available in 2005 for older children and adults. Before 2005, there was no pertussis vaccine for anybody over 6 years of age.
Tdap is different than the DTaP vaccine , which is given to infants and children in five doses, starting at 2 months of age. Tdap is only for those above age 7.
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Are There Dangers Associated With Dtap And Tdap
Like any medicine, vaccines can have side effects. But the risk of experiencing a serious problem to DTaP or Tdap is extremely small. On the other hand, the risk of your child contracting a major illness like diphtheria or pertussis is extremely high without the vaccine.
One of the most serious problems that can come from getting the vaccine is an allergic reaction. That happens in less than one out of a million doses. If it were going to happen it would most likely happen within a few minutes to a couple of hours after taking the vaccine. And even though it’s rare, it’s important to be alert for an allergic reaction with any medicine and get medical help at once if it occurs. Symptoms might include any of the following:
- difficulty breathing
These problems could occur within one to three days after the shot and generally pass quickly. If your child has ever had seizures from any cause, it’s important to control fever. Using an aspirin-free pain reliever in the 24 hours after the shot is given can help control fever and relieve pain. Do not give aspirin to a child under the age of 18 for fever. Aspirin can cause a very serious life-threatening illness called Reye’s syndrome, which can cause brain and liver damage.
Keeping immunizations up to date can protect not only you and your children from a serious illness but also your community.
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What Is The 6
The 6-in-1 vaccine is a combination vaccine, also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine, or the hexavalent vaccine. Let’s look at these six components:
- 1, 2 and 3: DTaP stands for diphtheria , tetanus and acellular pertussis .
- 4: polio is short for poliomyelitis. IPV stands for ‘inactivated polio vaccine’.
- 5: Hib stands for Haemophilus influenzae type b.
- 6: Hep B stands for hepatitis B.
The vaccines to protect against these six diseases are combined into one injection.
This is a combination vaccine which does not contain any live germs so cannot cause any of the diseases it is protecting against.
Before 2004, polio vaccine used to be given as drops into the mouth. Polio vaccine is now always given as an injection.
6-in-1 Vaccine
- 5min
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What Are The Possible Side Effects
Most people who get a vaccine that helps protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough do not have any serious problems with it. With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible.
Vaccination Of Specific Populations

Persons with inadequate immunization records
Children and adults lacking adequate documentation of immunization should be considered unimmunized and started on an immunization schedule appropriate for their age and risk factors. There are no established serologic correlates for protection against pertussis. Refer to Immunization of Persons with Inadequate Immunization Records in Part 3 for additional general information.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
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The strongest safety and effectiveness data are from the third trimester. This option may not allow sufficient time for the development and transfer of maternal antibodies before delivery. Late immunization will not provide protection for most preterm births. There may be fewer clinical opportunities to offer vaccination in late pregnancy compared to earlier vaccination. |
Infants born prematurely
Patients/residents in health care institutions
Residents of long-term care facilities should receive all routine immunizations appropriate for their age and risk factors, including acellular pertussis-containing vaccine. Refer to Immunization of Patients in Health Care Institutions in Part 3 for additional general information.
Persons with chronic diseases
Travellers
Persons new to Canada
Workers
Outbreak control
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What Are The Potential Adverse Effects Of The Dtap Vaccine
Serious adverse effects, including an anaphylactic reaction, are rare.
The most common adverse effects are local symptoms at the injection site, nausea and a temperature. Other transient generalised symptoms may also occur, including aches and pains or stiffness in the muscles as well as headaches.
A rash, high temperature and sterile abscess at the injection site are rare.
Local and generalised symptoms are more common if the intervals between boosters are short. Local and generalised symptoms are not a contraindication for further vaccinations. Fever and pain medications may be used to treat the symptoms, including ibuprofen and naproxen.
To Whom Is The Dtap Vaccine Administered
The vaccine is administered as a booster in the national vaccination programme to adolescents aged 14 to 15 and at the age of 25 years.
When a school-age child needs a booster following an accident, the use of the DTaP vaccine is recommended.
Those born before 1993 are only entitled to a free DTaP vaccine if they are healthcare professionals. Under the Communicable Diseases Act , those working at a social and healthcare unit must be protected against whooping cough if they mainly care for children aged under 12 months.
The vaccine can also be administered to other adults when they need to be protected against not only tetanus and diphtheria but also whooping cough. In this case, the person receiving the vaccination will pay for the vaccine.
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What Are Diphtheria Tetanus And Pertussis
The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine protects against:
- Diphtheria: a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing problems
- Tetanus : a nerve disease that can happen at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound
- Pertussis : a respiratory illness with cold-like symptoms that lead to severe coughing . Serious complications can affect children under 1 year old, and those younger than 6 months old are especially at risk. Teens and adults with a lasting cough might have pertussis and not realize it, and could pass it to vulnerable infants.
Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Versus Whole
In a randomized, double-blind trial to determine the efficacy of vaccination againstBordetella infection, a multi-component acellular pertussis has been compared with a whole-cell product and diphtheria + tetanus toxoids in 8532 infants aged 24 months, who received four doses of either DTwP or DTaP vaccine at 3, 4.5, 6, and 1518 months of age, and 1739 controls, who received three doses of DT vaccine at 3, 4.5, 1518 months of age . All the vaccines were generally well tolerated. However, adverse reactions were significantly less common after DTaP compared with DTwP vaccine. Persistent inconsolable crying was four times more common in DTwP recipients than in DTaP recipients. High fever, 40.5 °C or over, was three times more common in DTwP vaccinees than in DTaP vaccinees. Only one DTaP recipient had a convulsion in temporal relation to immunization.
The 2000 Childhood Immunization Schedule, proposed by the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices , the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, recommended that acellular pertussis vaccines be exclusively chosen for routine use in the USA .
The safety and immunogenicity of 12 acellular pertussis vaccines and one whole-cell pertussis vaccine given as a fourth dose have been compared in 1293 children aged 1520 months. In general, DTaP vaccines were associated with fewer adverse events than a US-licensed DTwP vaccine .
In , 2016
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Do You Need Tdap If Youve Had Dtap
Yes. Tdap is often used as a booster. Anyone over age 7 who needs diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccines gets Tdap.
A persons immunity against these diseases tends to decrease over time. This is why a booster shot is needed at
27 and 36 weeks in every pregnancy. Even if a pregnant person has had a Tdap vaccine in the past 10 years, it should be given again.
Babies dont get their first dose of DTaP until theyre 2 months old. Pertussis can be very severe in newborns. Giving Tdap in pregnancy provides the newborn with some protection.
Both DTaP and Tdap contain vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, which is also called pertussis. The vaccine names come from the first letter of each disease it protects against.
When an upper-case letter is used, the vaccine for that disease is full strength . Lower-case letters mean it contains a lower dose of the vaccine.
DTaP contains full doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccines. Tdap contains a full dose of the tetanus vaccine and a lower dose of diphtheria and whooping cough vaccines.
The lower-case a before the p in both vaccine names stands for acellular. This means broken down parts of the bacterium Bordetella pertussis that causes whooping cough is used to make the vaccine.
In the past, the whole bacterium was used in the vaccine, but it tended to cause more
How The Tetanus Infection Works
Under anaerobic conditions found in dead or infected tissue, tetanus spores mature to the vegetative form of C tetani, multiply and secrete two toxins tetanospasmin and tetanolysin:
1) Tetanolysin damages otherwise viable tissue surrounding the infection and optimizes the conditions for bacterial multiplication.
2) Tetanospasmin is a neurotoxin that leads to the clinical manifestations of tetanus. It is the second most potent toxin in the world, after botulinus toxin. The entire global population can be annihilated with 250 grams of tetanus toxin.
The released tetanospasmin spreads to underlying muscle tissue. As the toxin load grows, it spreads via the following means:
- A minute amount of toxin may enter nerve terminals at the site of injury, from where it moves to the central nervous system. This may be insufficient to cause the clinical manifestations of tetanus.
- The vast majority of tetanus toxin, however, is transported via the lymphatic system to the blood stream, from where it diffuses to bind to nerve terminals throughout the body .
Once the tetanus toxin reaches the central nervous system, it leads to intense muscular rigidity and spasms. Over time, these spasms become more violent, intensely painful and can lead to spinal fractures, muscle tears and tendon rupture. Muscles of the jaw, face, and head are often involved first because of their shorter nerve pathways. Spasms in the trunk of the body and limbs then follow.
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