How does someone become infected with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis?
Diphtheria and pertussis are transmitted from person to person. Tetanus is contracted by contamination of an open wound or cut. How effective are DTaP and Tdap vaccines? Diphtheria and tetanus infections are rare in the United States as a result of DTaP and Td vaccines. Pertussis is common adolescents and young adults because protection against pertussis from vaccination or disease lasts only five to eight years. That is why the Tdap booster should be given at 11 or 12 years of age. All adolescents and adults up to 64 years of age also should receive the Tdap booster vaccine. What are the possible side effects of the DTaP or Tdap vaccines? Serious risks from the DTaP or Tdap vaccines are quite rare compared to the life-threatening risks associated with contracting diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis. Mild side effects from the DTaP vaccine may include: • injection-site soreness • mild fever • nausea • irritability • poor appetite and fatigue Infrequent moderate side effects may include se
