• Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that can infect the body in two areas: 
  

  • The throat (respiratory diphtheria).

  • The skin (skin or cutaneous diphtheria).

  The diphtheria bacterium can enter the body through the nose and mouth. However, it can also enter through a break in the skin. It is transmitted from person-to-person by respiratory secretions or droplets in the air. After being exposed to the bacteria, it usually takes two to four days for symptoms to develop. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and even death.

• Tetanus (lockjaw) is an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system, caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium, which usually enters the body through an open wound. Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the person cannot open his or her mouth or swallow. 

Tetanus is not a contagious illness. It occurs in individuals who have had a skin or deep tissue wound or puncture. It is also seen in the umbilical stump of infants in underdeveloped countries. This occurs in places where immunization to tetanus is not widespread and women may not know proper care of the umbilical stump after the baby is born. After being exposed to tetanus, it may take between two days to two months to develop any symptoms. In infants, symptoms may take between five days to two weeks to develop.

• Pertussis (whooping cough) mainly affects infants and young children. Caused by a bacterium, it is characterized by paroxysms (intense fits or spells) of coughing that end with the characteristic whoop as air is inhaled. Whooping cough causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard for infants and children to eat, drink or breathe. These spells can last for weeks. 

Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. It is spread through children from exposure to infected persons through droplets in the air (coughing and sneezing), and is highly contagious. Once the bacteria is in the child's airways, swelling of the airways and mucus production begins. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death.

• DtaP vaccine:
  
  

  • Protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.  
    
    

  • Newer form of the vaccine, is less likely to cause reactions than former types.  
    
    

• DT or Td boosters:
  
  

  • Protects against diphtheria and tetanus.

  • For persons 7 years of age and older.

  • Recommended every 10 years.

• 2 months.
• 4 months.
• 6 months
• 15 to 18 months.
• 4 to 6 years.
• 11 to 12 years.

• Previously had a moderate or serious reaction after getting vaccinated.
• Previously had a seizure.
• Have a parent or sibling who has had a seizure.
• Have a brain problem that is becoming worse.
• Currently have a moderate or severe illness.

• Sore arm or leg.
• Fussiness.
• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Decreased appetite.
• Vomiting.

• Give your child aspirin-free pain reliever for 24 hours after the shot, or as directed by your child's physician. This is important if your child has had a seizure or has a parent, brother or sister who has had a seizure.
• Watch for signs of reaction such as high fever, behavior change, seizure or difficulty breathing. Report these or any other unusual signs immediately to your child's physician.