DTaP
Medical abbreviation · Pediatric & Neonatal
| Stands for | Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DTaP stands for Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine, a pediatric & neonatal abbreviation.
Combination vaccine given to children under seven in five doses, at 2, 4 and 6 months, 15–18 months and 4–6 years, protecting against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. It contains full-strength components, unlike the adolescent and adult Tdap.
Example: DTaP #4 given at 15 months, right thigh; no prior reactions.
Usage notes
The capital D and P indicate full-strength diphtheria and pertussis doses; "a" stands for acellular, meaning purified pertussis proteins rather than whole killed bacteria. Acellular vaccines replaced the older whole-cell DTP in the US in the 1990s because of fewer side effects. Mixing up DTaP and Tdap is a common vaccine administration error.
Related abbreviations
More pediatric & neonatal abbreviations
- ALTE – Apparent life-threatening event
- APGAR – Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration (Apgar score)
- BRUE – Brief resolved unexplained event
- CCHD – Critical congenital heart disease
- DD – Developmental delay
- DOL – Day of life
- EI – Early intervention
- ELBW – Extremely low birth weight
- FASD – Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
- FTT – Failure to thrive
- GDD – Global developmental delay
- GER – Gastroesophageal reflux (infant)
See all 51 pediatric & neonatal abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.