Daptacel

Daptacel is a vaccine used to prevent tetanus, pertussis, and diphtheria in infants and young children. The components of this vaccine "trick" the body into thinking it has been exposed to these different infections. The vaccine is given as five separate injections; the first dose is typically given at two months of age, and the fifth dose is given between four and six years of age.

Daptacel Vaccine Information

What Is Daptacel?

Daptacel^® (DTaP) is a diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. It is approved for use in infants and young children (under the age of seven).

(Click Daptacel Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Daptacel?

Daptacel is made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.

Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns

Daptacel does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to thimerosal can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal (not even trace amounts). Some parents are concerned about aluminum content of vaccines; Daptacel does contain aluminum (0.33 mg per dose).

This vaccine is not made from human fetal components, as some vaccines are. Also, unlike Sanofi Pasteur's previous version of the DTaP vaccine (Tripedia^®), Daptacel is not made using bovine (cow) components.

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