Skip to main content

What is the DTaP vaccine?

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are potentially severe diseases that are preventable in children and adults through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine contains inactivated forms of the toxin produced by the 3 bacteria that cause the diseases. The inactive substances can no longer cause disease but do trigger the body to create antibodies that help with developing immunity against the toxins.

Find care

Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available) and CVS Pharmacy®

Insurance and pricing

Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

Pre-check coverage

Need to know more about DTaP vaccine? We’ve got you covered.

What diseases are associated with the DTaP vaccine?

Diphtheria causes a thick membrane-like covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to difficulties with breathing, heart failure and paralysis. Severe complications are even fatal in some cases. Diphtheria is highly contagious and spreads via coughing and sneezing.

Tetanus (also known as lockjaw) is a serious disease that causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. Severe muscle contractions can lead to “locking” of the jaw so a person can become incapable of opening their mouth or swallowing. Tetanus can cause death. Infection is fatal in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough) is an extremely contagious infection of the respiratory tract. Although the symptoms resemble an ordinary cold in the beginning, whooping cough can become more serious eventually, particularly with infants. It could lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death in some cases.

Getting help

MinuteClinic providers are trained and qualified to administer the DTaP vaccine for children. The DTaP vaccine protects children under the age of 7 against three bacterial illnesses: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Your MinuteClinic provider will review your child's medical history, conduct an exam, and give the immunization injection.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

DTaP vaccine causes, symptoms and treatment

For children, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends 5 doses of the DTaP vaccine according to the following schedule:

  • 1 dose at 2 months old
  • 1 dose at 4 months old
  • 1 dose at 6 months old
  • 1 dose at 15 to 18 months old
  • 1 dose at 4 to 6 years old

DTaP vaccine prevention

MinuteClinic providers are trained and qualified to administer the DTaP vaccine for children. The DTaP vaccine protects children under the age of 7 against three bacterial illnesses: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Your MinuteClinic provider will review your child's medical history, conduct an exam, and give the immunization injection.

Back to top of questions

People also viewed:

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE: