4 Sure. Get the 4th DTaP
What is DTaP?
The DTaP vaccine prevents against three diseases—diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Why is the fourth dose of DTaP so important?
Children need five doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis) vaccine to provide the best protection against disease. The 4th DTaP, recommended at 15 to 18 months of age, is often missed. Without proper immunization, children are more likely to suffer severe illness and serious complications.
Pertussis is a prevalent vaccine-preventable disease in Florida. An estimated 10.6%* of children in our state are at risk because they have not received their 4th DTaP by 2 years of age.
What can parents do to protect their baby?
Get the DTaP vaccine on time at:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 15 to 18 months
- 4 to 6 years
Keep children's immunizations up-to-date.
Schedule your patient's next immunization visit. Keep vaccination records. Age-appropriate DTaP vaccination is required for entry into daycare, childcare, and schools in Florida.
* Immunization Levels in Two-Year-Old Children, 2011, Florida Department of Health, Immunization Program.
