Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that release a powerful toxin. It creates a thick layer in the throat that can block breathing and poison the heart. Tetanus bacteria live in soil and even dust. When they enter the body through a cut, they release a toxin that locks the jaw and body muscles in painful spasms. Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, latches onto the airways and causes weeks of deep, suffocating coughs that are especially dangerous for infants. The DTaP vaccine combines protection against all three. Since it became routine, diphtheria has been eliminated in the United States, and tetanus and pertussis are now rare.

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