Tripedia
® (
DTaP) is a childhood vaccine that provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (
whooping cough). It contains several different components that "trick" the body into thinking it has been exposed to these different infections. As a result, antibodies are produced that will help fight the infections if future exposure occurs.
The Tripedia vaccine is typically given in a series of five injections. The first dose is usually given at two months of age, and the fifth dose is given between four and six years of age. Tripedia can also be mixed with
ActHIB®, a
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (
Hib vaccine), for children 15 to 18 months of age.
Although most children have no problems with this vaccine, Tripedia may not be suitable for everyone. Before your child is vaccinated, tell the healthcare provider if your child has:
- An immune-suppressing condition
- A bleeding disorder
- A moderate or severe illness
- A brain or nervous system disorder.
(Click Tripedia for more information on when and how to get this vaccine, to find out what side effects may occur with Tripedia, and to learn about other warnings associated with it.)
