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DTP Trivalent Vaccine Standardized:

The Combined DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine was first released and licensed for use in the United States in 1948.

Key Date: 

1948 – The first trivalent DTP vaccine (combining diphtheria & tetanus toxoids with whole-cell pertussis) is licensed and begins widespread use for routine childhood immunization in the U.S. and shortly after in other countries.

Background:

Prior to 1948:

Diphtheria toxoid: Introduced in the 1920s

Tetanus toxoid: Developed and used in the 1930s, especially during World War II

Whole-cell pertussis vaccine: First tested in the 1930s and 1940s

The combination of these three into a single injection was a major advance in simplifying childhood immunization schedules and improving compliance.

The Combined DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine became standardized and widely mandated for children in the early 1950s, following its U.S. licensure in 1948.

Key Milestones: 

1948 – U.S. Licensure of Combined DTP Vaccine
The first trivalent DTP vaccine (whole-cell pertussis + diphtheria & tetanus toxoids) is officially licensed for use in the United States.

1950s – Widespread Adoption & Standardization
DTP quickly becomes part of the routine immunization schedule for children in the U.S., Europe, and other developed nations.

1959 – Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
The AAP includes DTP in its recommended schedule for childhood vaccinations.

1977 – World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO includes DTP in its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), standardizing its global use in childhood immunization, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

1981 – U.S. Federal Mandate via School Entry Requirements
By the early 1980s, all 50 U.S. states required proof of DTP vaccination (or exemption) for school entry, effectively making it mandatory for most children.

Side effects (especially from whole-cell pertussis): Fever, swelling, seizures (rare)

1982 – Documentary “DPT: Vaccine Roulette” stirred public concern.

1986 – U.S. passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act to protect manufacturers and compensate vaccine injuries.

1991–1996 – DTaP (acellular pertussis) introduced and gradually replaced DTP in developed countries.