Acellular Pertussis Vaccines: Recommendations for Use as the Fourth and Fifth Doses

In December 1991, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the first diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) for administration to children as the fourth and fifth doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunization. The product consists of an acellular pertussis vaccine produced by Japan's Takeda Chemicals and diphtheria and tetanus components produced by Lederle Laboratories, Division of American Cyanamide. It is expected that one or more additional acellular pertussis vaccine(s) will be licensed in the future.