What if my child misses a shot of the DTaP vaccine?
If your child misses a scheduled DTaP shot, the remaining shots should still be completed. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to give extra doses or start the entire series of the vaccine over. Ask your child’s caregiver what to do if a dose of the DTaP vaccine is missed. What is the Tdap vaccine? The Tdap vaccine is the booster shot used to help prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. This vaccine contains tetanus, reduced (decreased) diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis. The Tdap vaccine is given to adolescents and adults. What is the Td vaccine? The Td vaccine is the booster shot used to help prevent diphtheria and tetanus. This vaccine contains tetanus and diphtheria toxoids only. It does not contain the pertussis vaccine. Who should get the Tdap vaccine, and when? The Tdap vaccine is given only once and is for people between the ages of 11 and 64. • Adolescents 11 to 18 years of age: Your child should get one booster dose of the Tdap vacc
