DTwP / DTaP vaccine
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis · IAP / NIS
| When to give | Primary at 6, 10, 14 wk; Booster-1 at 15–18 mo; Booster-2 at 4–6 yr. |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.5 mL. DTwP: diphtheria toxoid 20–30 Lf, tetanus toxoid 5–25 Lf, whole-cell pertussis ≥4 IU. DTaP (Tripacel): DT ≥30 IU, TT ≥40 IU, acellular PT/FHA/fimbriae/pertactin. |
| Route | Intramuscular |
| Site | Anterolateral mid-thigh (infant); deltoid (older child) |
| Schedule / interval | 6/10/14 wk; B1 15–18 mo; B2 4–6 yr. Min 4 wk between primaries. |
Catch-up schedule
If series begun after 1 year: 3 doses at 0, 1, 6 months. Second childhood booster not required if last dose given beyond 4 years. Age 7–10 y unimmunised → first catch-up dose as Tdap, remaining as Td. Not to be used above 7 years.
Adverse events (AEFI)
DTwP: local pain/swelling/redness, fever, irritability, excessive/persistent crying, seizures, HHE (hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode). DTaP: same but much less intense/frequent.
Brands available in India
DTwP: Triple Antigen (SII). DTaP: Tripacel
Special considerations
Tdap must NOT replace the 4–6 yr second booster. Contraindicated with encephalopathy following a previous dose. Immunise even children recovering from pertussis. Store 2–8°C, do not freeze.
Common questions
When is the DTwP / DTaP vaccine given?
Primary at 6, 10, 14 wk; Booster-1 at 15–18 mo; Booster-2 at 4–6 yr.
What is the DTwP / DTaP vaccine dose and route?
0.5 mL. DTwP: diphtheria toxoid 20–30 Lf, tetanus toxoid 5–25 Lf, whole-cell pertussis ≥4 IU. DTaP (Tripacel): DT ≥30 IU, TT ≥40 IU, acellular PT/FHA/fimbriae/pertactin. Route: Intramuscular. Site: Anterolateral mid-thigh (infant); deltoid (older child).
Can the DTwP / DTaP vaccine be given late?
If series begun after 1 year: 3 doses at 0, 1, 6 months. Second childhood booster not required if last dose given beyond 4 years. Age 7–10 y unimmunised → first catch-up dose as Tdap, remaining as Td. Not to be used above 7 years.
What are the side effects of the DTwP / DTaP vaccine?
DTwP: local pain/swelling/redness, fever, irritability, excessive/persistent crying, seizures, HHE (hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode). DTaP: same but much less intense/frequent.
Which DTwP / DTaP vaccine brands are available in India?
DTwP: Triple Antigen (SII). DTaP: Tripacel
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
About this page
Aligned with the IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 and compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against the current product insert, the national schedule and your local protocol.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.
Last reviewed 2026-08-12.