DTaP/Tdap vaccines help to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Diphtheria and pertussis are infectious diseases which spread from one person to another through the air, via coughs or sneezes. Tetanus is not contagious but is a serious disease affecting the nerves, and enters the body through cuts or wounds.

Diphtheria- Diphtheria bacteria cause breathing difficulties, problems with swallowing, heart failure, paralysis, and death.

Tetanus- Tetanus bacteria produce a toxin that causes “lockjaw” resulting in painful muscle contractions, which interferes with breathing and swallowing, leading to death.

Pertussis - Pertussis bacteria cause uncontrollable, violent coughing (“whooping cough”) which results in breathing difficulties, as well as problems in eating or drinking.

What Are the Types of DTaP/Tdap Vaccine Available?
There are two types of vaccines available, which differ in their diphtheria and pertussis content:

1. DTaP: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis
2. Tdap: Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis content
   

Who Should Receive the DTaP/Tdap Vaccine?
As part of the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), all children should receive a series of 3 doses, followed by 2 booster doses: 

As part of the Singapore National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), the Tdap vaccine is recommended for adults with certain medical conditions, with no history of previous vaccination or if their last vaccination was at least 10 years ago. Consult your doctor for more details.

One dose of the Tdap vaccine is also recommended during 16 to 32 weeks of each pregnancy for protection of the infant against pertussis, regardless of the interval since the previous Tdap vaccination.