It works by being introduced to the host’s immune system and allowing that host to build an immune response to the inactive bacteria so that it can respond the same way to future attacks. It is administered in a single shot in the arm with two other vaccinations. DTaP is an abbreviation for diphtheria, tetnus toxoids and pertussis vaccine and Tdap is the same abbreviation as DTaP but the lower case d and p mean smaller doses of both vaccines ("Center for Young Women's Health."). The pertussis vaccination is very effective and the Tdap version for adolescents and adults protects about seven out of ten people who receive the vaccines and the DTaP version for children is effective for eight or nine out of ten children who receive them ("Long-term Effectiveness of Whooping Cough