How Often Should a Child Receive a Tetanus & Pertussis Shot?

Vaccines protect a child from infectious -- and potentially fatal -- diseases. They are generally both safe and effective, can save lives, and can protect future generations by reducing or eliminating some diseases. Two common childhood vaccinations are tetanus and pertussis. Your child should receive these vaccines according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended childhood immunization schedule.

  1. Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccinations

    • Generally, tetanus and pertussis vaccinations are combined, along with the diphtheria vaccine. This is to reduce the number of shots that children have to get. The combination is usually called DTaP, Td or Tdap. Kids ages 7 and under are given DTaP, while older kids and adults get Td or Tdap. Children should get five doses of DTaP: one dose at 2, 4 and 6 months, and then another between 15 and 18 months, and yet another between ages 4 and 6, according to the CDC. A booster Td or Tdap vaccination is recommended every 10 years after that.

    Side Effects and Risks

    • All vaccinations come with risks and can have side effects, but the benefits generally outweigh them. Common mild side effects can include redness and swelling at the injection site, tenderness in the area, fever, fatigue, fussiness and vomiting. Moderate side effects are uncommon but can include crying, high fever and seizures. Severe problems are rare but could include brain damage, coma, lowered consciousness and long-term seizures, according to the CDC.

    Tetanus

    • Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a serious disease that can attack a child's nerves and muscles. Your child can contract it from a skin wound that comes in contact with Clostridium tetani bacterium, which is found in the soil. While the DTaP and Tdap vaccines prevent against tetanus, a doctor might recommend a tetanus shot after an injury that could cause tetanus, depending on your child's age and previous immunizations.

    Pertussis

    • Pertussis is a highly contagious infection that causes severe coughing. It's commonly referred to as "whooping cough" because of the "whoop-like" sound that a person with the infection makes when he breathes in air. While people at any age can contract pertussis, babies are at a higher risk of getting it because they haven't had all their recommended vaccinations, according to the Boston Children's Hospital website. Further, teens are also at risk if they do not receive a booster shot -- and particularly if they are going off to college where they might spend time living in close quarters.

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