The DTaP vaccination protects against diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and tetanus. Children receive the injection from the age of 5 years. This is a repeat vaccination against these diseases. Before that, children received the DTaP-IPV - HBV vaccination at 3 months, 5 months and 12 months old. At the age of 14 years, children are given a repeat vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DT-IPV).
The DTaP vaccination in summary
| Protects against | Diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and tetanus |
|---|---|
| Given at | from the age of 5 years |
| Period of protection | 5 years for whooping cough. 10 years for diphteria and tetanus |
| Most common side effects | Symptoms at the injection site such as a red, swollen or painful arm; fever, headache, sleepiness and nausea or vomiting |
When to get the DTaP vaccinationÂ
Before their first birthday
Children receive the DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV vaccination 3 times before their first birthday. After this, children are probably protected against Hib disease, Hepatitis B and polio-induced paralysis for the rest of their lives. To be absolutely certain that children are effectively protected against all polio infections, they receive a repeat vaccination at 14 years. Children also get this repeat vaccination because the DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV vaccinations do not yet give them lifelong protection against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.
5 years
Children get a repeat vaccination from the age of 5 years. This is the DTaP vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis). After that, the child is protected against whooping cough for 5 years and against diphtheria and tetanus for 10 years. Sometimes a child who has been vaccinated will still get whooping cough. But the child’s illness will be less severe.
14 years
Children get the second repeat vaccination in the year that they turn 14. This is the DT-IPV vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. After this, the child probably has lifelong protection against all polio infections, and will be protected against diphtheria and tetanus for 10 years. To be sure that you are well protected, it is advisable to get a repeat vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years.
| When? | Most side effects occur within a day after vaccination and are gone within a couple of days. |
|---|---|
| Happens often |
Fever, headache, sleepiness, nausea/vomiting and symptoms at the injection site, such as a red, swollen or painful arm. |
| Happens sometimes |
About 1 in 1,000 children get a large red puffy area at the injection site. This swelling may spread across the entire arm. |
| Good to know | Your child cannot infect others after their vaccination at 5 years. |
When your child receives vaccinations, you may feel uneasy. There may be side effects. It is good to know that the vaccinations given through the National Immunisation Programme are given in many other countries as well. Studies from all those countries show that these vaccinations are safe. There are no known long-term negative effects.
The DTaP vaccine contains parts of the bacteria that cause whooping cough. These parts have been made harmless and cannot make you ill. The bacteria that cause diphtheria and tetanus produce a toxic substance that makes you ill. This substance is called a toxin. The vaccine contains inactivated variants of these toxins, which cannot make you ill.
The page ‘What is in vaccines?’ provides more information on what is in vaccines.
The page ‘How does vaccination work?’ provides information on how vaccination works.
If you are planning a trip outside the Netherlands, you usually do not need to have your child vaccinated early (before the recommended age) – unless that country has a high risk of infectious diseases. Will you be travelling abroad for a short trip or a longer period, and does your child need vaccinations? Check with the youth healthcare services (JGZ) if you need to adjust your child’s vaccination schedule.
Do you have questions about vaccinations that you need for a trip outside the Netherlands? Consult the National Coordination Centre for Travellers Advice (LCR) website. The LCR website includes information on which vaccinations are advisable and where to make an appointment in your area.
If your child is ill, please contact the organisation that will give the vaccination. They can tell you if it is a good idea to get the vaccination right now. Sometimes the vaccination may be postponed for a bit. The vaccination is safe for children with reduced immunity.
The DTaP vaccination is extra important for children with reduced immunity as a result of disease or medication. The vaccination is safe for children with impaired immunity, but it may be less effective. Children with these health conditions always have their case supervised by a treating paediatrician, who can provide more information.