DTaP / Tdap

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis
(DTaP / Tdap / Td) Vaccine for Travel

What is DTaP / Tdap?

The DTaP and Tdap are combination vaccines used to protect against three different disease-causing bacteria: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis. Diphtheria and Pertussis are highly contagious, spreading from person to person while Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. 

How to Prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis?

Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The DTaP vaccine is routinely administered to infants and young children as part of the recommended immunization schedule while Tdap is used for adults. Additional precautions such as practicing good hygiene like frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with diagnosed individuals will help limit infections. 

Is DTaP Vaccine Necessary?

DTaP is a part of routine childhood vaccinations, but immunity weans with time and anyone who has not received a dose in the last 10 years, would benefit from a booster. One adult dose of Tdap is usually recommended, followed by subsequent boosters of Td.

  • DTaP (for younger children)
  • Tdap (for adolescents and adults)
  • Td (for adolescents and adults)

Your Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional will review your medical history, vaccination records, and itinerary for different combination vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (e.g., Tdap and Td) to ensure full protection against these potentially life-threatening diseases while abroad. 

To find out if your destination(s) is a high risk area or requires the DTaP / Tdap / Td vaccine, consult a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional here.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Are Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Serious Diseases?

The symptoms of these illnesses vary, but often includes:

  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing

Diphtheria can cause more serious problems including:

  • Heart failure
  • Paralysis
  • Respiratory failure

Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in soil and animal feces and can cause:

  • Painful muscle stiffness
  • Spasms

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough due to the distinctive sound when inhaling, can cause:

  • Violent coughing fits
  • Weight loss
  • Rib fractures

Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis can cause serious health complications, especially in children under the age of 5, and can all lead to death if left untreated.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Brought to you by a team of trusted healthcare professionals

We know how hard it can be for Canadians to get the healthcare they need, when they need it. That’s why Rockdoc is on a mission to help Canadians navigate healthcare. We have decades of experience providing emergent, urgent, and continuing healthcare services and solutions – meeting and exceeding the standard of care for our patients and our communities.

Photo of Dr. Sam Gutman, the CEO & CMO of Rockdoc

Dr. Sam Gutman

CEO and Chief Medical Officer MD CCFP, FCFP, EM-SEM
Photo of Dr. Shaan Pawa, The Associate Medical Director at Rockdoc

Dr. Shaan Pawa

Associate Medical Director
MD CCFP-EM CTH®

Photo of Kristyna Sorenson, The Director of Clinical Services at Rockdoc

Kristyna Sorensen

Medical Operations Manager
RN, BSN

Contact Us

Do you have questions about Virtual Travel Clinic? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here, or chat with one of our friendly Customer Success representatives.

Customer Success Hours:

8:00AM – 9:00PM EST (Monday – Friday)
11:00AM – 9:00PM EST (Saturday – Sunday)