2019 Vaccine Guide & Insert - 6

DTAP
Diphtheria & Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular
Pertussis (DTaP)
Is it true that pertussis in children is increasing? Are more infants dying from the disease?
Since the 1980s, the number of reported pertussis cases has increased. These increases have
been noted in both infants younger than age 1 year, particularly among infants younger than
age 6 months; adolescents age 11-18 years, and adults. An increase in the number of reported
deaths from pertussis among very young infants has paralleled the increase in the number of
reported cases. Reasons for the increases in pertussis are not completely clear; however, multi‐
ple factors have likely contributed to the increase, including waning immunity from the acellular
vaccine (DTaP), increased recognition of pertussis, and improved diagnostic testing and
reporting.
What are the recommendations for vaccination of infants and young children with DTaP?
All children should receive a series of DTaP at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters at ages
15-18 months and at 4-6 years. The fourth dose may be given as early as age 12 months
if at least 6 months have elapsed since the third dose.
What's the difference between all the vaccines containing diphtheria and tetanus toxoids
and pertussis vaccine?
There are two basic products that can be used in children younger than age 7 years (DTaP and
DT) and two that can be used in older children and adults (Td and Tdap). Some people get
confused between DTaP and Tdap and others get confused between DT and Td. Here's a hint to
help you remember. The pediatric formulations usually have 3-5 times as much of the diphtheria
component than what is in the adult formulation. This is indicated by an upper‐case "D" for the
pediatric formulation (i.e., DTaP, DT) and a lower case "d" for the adult formulation (Tdap, Td).
The amount of tetanus toxoid in each of the products is equivalent, so it remains an upper‐case
"T."
Here is a listing of the various products:

All children should
receive a series of
DTaP at ages 2, 4,
and 6 months, with
boosters at ages
15-18 months and
at 4-6 years. The
fourth dose may be
given as early as
age 12 months
if at least 6 months
have elapsed since
the third dose.

* DTaP: Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine; given to infants and
children ages 6 weeks through 6 years. In addition, four childhood combination vaccines
include DTaP as a component.
* DT: Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, without the pertussis component; given to infants and
children ages 6 weeks through 6 years who have a contraindication to the pertussis
component.
* Tdap: Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids with acellular pertussis vaccine; given to adolescents
and adults, usually as a single dose; the exception is pregnant women who should receive
Tdap during each pregnancy.
* Td: Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids; given to children and adults ages 7 years and older.
Note the small "d" which indicates a much smaller quantity of diphtheria toxoid than in the
pediatric DTaP formulation.
Sources: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4203.pdf http://www.immunize.org/
askexperts/experts_per.asp
CPT Information
Administration CPT Code
without physician counseling

90471, 90472, 90473 or 90474

Administration CPT Code with
physician counseling

90460 or 90461

DAPTACEL

90700

INFANRIX

90700

KINRIX®

90696

PEDIARIX

90723

Pentacel®
Quadracel

90698
90696

™

For informational purposes only. Source: ReimbursementCodes.com and/or www.cms.gov. Customer is responsible for verification of billing/coding in accordance with applicable specific circumstances.
See manufacturer package insert for full prescribing information.
†

To Order: 1.800.P.SCHEIN (1.800.772.4346) 8am-8:30pm, et

To Fax: 1.800.329.9109 24 Hrs

19MS4037

http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4203.pdf http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_per.asp http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_per.asp http://www.ReimbursementCodes.com http://www.cms.gov

2019 Vaccine Guide & Insert

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2019 Vaccine Guide & Insert