The DPT vaccine is commonly referred to as the DTaP vaccine for children or Tdap vaccine for adolescents and adults. It's a combination vaccine that protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
- DTaP is given to infants and children in a series of shots.
- Tdap is given to adolescents and adults as a booster dose to maintain immunity.
Both DTaP and Tdap vaccines contain weakened or inactive forms of the bacteria that cause these diseases. This allows the body to build immunity without getting sick.
