Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine

[Sommer]

The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against these three diseases:

Diphtheria usually causes inflammation of the throat and mucous membranes of the mouth. However, the bacteria that cause diphtheria produce a toxin that can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Diphtheria was once a leading cause of death in children.
Tetanus (lockjaw) causes severe muscle spasms, which result from a toxin produced by bacteria. The bacteria usually enter the body through a wound.
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious respiratory infection that is particularly dangerous to children younger than 2 years old and to people who have a weakened immune system.

For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Raeanne Dimick]

Vaccines that contain diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis help protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, but they do not prevent all cases.
For more information, see DTaP/Tdap/Td Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vaccine Recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccination.
(See also Overview of Immunization.)