The diphtheria vaccination schedule (DTaP) includes doses at which ages?

The diphtheria vaccination schedule (DTaP) includes doses at which ages?

• A. 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months; 4-6 years; booster at 11-12 years
• B. Birth, 2 weeks, 2 months, 6 months
• C. Every year after age 2
• D. Only at age 11-12 years

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that protecting children against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis requires a multi-dose series in early life, with a booster in adolescence to maintain immunity as protection wanes over time. The DTaP schedule starts in infancy with four doses given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15–18 months. A follow-up dose is then given around 4–6 years of age to keep immunity strong through the early school years. Finally, a booster is recommended at 11–12 years, usually as Tdap, to extend protection into adolescence. After that, adults typically receive Td boosters every 10 years. This pattern isn’t set by a single dose at birth or every year after age 2, and it isn’t limited to a one-time dose at 11–12 years. The sequence builds immunity early, reinforces it before starting school, and then refreshes it in adolescence.

The key idea is that protecting children against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis requires a multi-dose series in early life, with a booster in adolescence to maintain immunity as protection wanes over time. The DTaP schedule starts in infancy with four doses given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15–18 months. A follow-up dose is then given around 4–6 years of age to keep immunity strong through the early school years. Finally, a booster is recommended at 11–12 years, usually as Tdap, to extend protection into adolescence. After that, adults typically receive Td boosters every 10 years.

This pattern isn’t set by a single dose at birth or every year after age 2, and it isn’t limited to a one-time dose at 11–12 years. The sequence builds immunity early, reinforces it before starting school, and then refreshes it in adolescence.