At what age do children receive the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine?

DTaP Vaccination Schedule for Children

Children receive the DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine in a five-dose series at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. 1

Standard Vaccination Schedule

The routine DTaP vaccination schedule consists of:

• First dose: 2 months of age 1
• Second dose: 4 months of age 1
• Third dose: 6 months of age 1
• Fourth dose (first booster): 15-18 months of age 1
• Fifth dose (second booster): 4-6 years of age 1

Important Timing Considerations

Earliest Administration

• The first DTaP dose can be administered as early as 6 weeks of age 1, 2
• The fourth dose may be given as early as 12 months of age if at least 6 months have elapsed since the third dose 1

Minimum Intervals

• A minimum interval of 4 weeks should occur between the first and second doses when an accelerated schedule is needed 1
• The third dose should not be administered before 14 weeks of age 1
• The fourth dose should be administered at least 6 months after the third dose and should not be given to children younger than 12 months 1

Special Circumstances

Fifth Dose Exception

A fifth DTaP dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was administered at age 4 years or older. 1 This is an important consideration to avoid unnecessary vaccinations.

Contraindications to Pertussis Component

For children with contraindications to the pertussis component, DT (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids) should be used instead of DTaP to complete the age-appropriate series 1, 2

Clinical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Late third dose increases risk: Children who receive the third dose late are significantly more likely to miss or receive the fourth dose late (24% vs 10% for on-time recipients) 3
• Invalid fourth doses: Administering the fourth dose before 12 months of age or less than 6 months after the third dose results in an invalid dose that must be repeated 1
• Brand mixing: While preferably the same manufacturer's DTaP should be used throughout the series, vaccination should not be delayed if the previous brand is unavailable 1