DTaP Vaccination Schedule
Children should receive DTaP vaccine in a five-dose series at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age. 1, 2
Standard Primary Series (Ages 2-6 Months)
- Administer the first dose at 2 months of age (minimum age 6 weeks) 1, 2
- Give the second dose at 4 months of age, with a minimum 4-week interval from the first dose if an accelerated schedule is needed 1, 2
- Provide the third dose at 6 months of age, ensuring it is not given before 14 weeks of age 1, 2
Booster Doses
Fourth Dose (15-18 Months)
- Administer at 15-18 months of age to maintain adequate immunity during preschool years 1, 2
- May be given as early as 12 months if at least 6 months have elapsed since the third dose 1, 2
- Must not be administered to children younger than 12 months 1, 2
Fifth Dose (4-6 Years)
- Give at 4-6 years of age to confer continued protection during early school years 1, 2
- This fifth dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was administered at age 4 years or older 1, 2
Critical Timing Requirements
- The fourth dose requires a minimum 6-month interval after the third dose 1, 2
- The third dose must not be given before 14 weeks of age regardless of intervals 1, 2
- When using an accelerated schedule, maintain at least 4 weeks between doses 1 and 2 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Invalid doses occur when the fourth dose is given before 12 months of age or less than 6 months after the third dose - these must be repeated 2
- Children who receive the third dose late are at higher risk of missing or receiving the fourth dose late (24% vs 10% for on-time recipients) 3
- While the same manufacturer's DTaP product should ideally be used throughout the series, vaccination should never be delayed if the previous brand is unavailable or unknown 1, 2