Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis) is a vaccine that protects against three serious diseases: Show
All pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy. The vaccine helps your body make antibodies to protect you from disease. These antibodies pass to your fetus and can protect your newborn until he or she can get the Tdap vaccine at 2 months old. It is best to get the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy. If you have family members who will be in close contact with your baby, and they have not been vaccinated with Tdap, they also should get a single dose of Tdap. This dose should be given at least 2 weeks before they have any close contact with the baby. Published: October 2020 Last reviewed: October 2020 Copyright 2022 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information. This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to women's health. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Read ACOG’s complete disclaimer. OverviewWhat is the Tdap vaccine?The Tdap vaccine protects you against three potentially severe bacterial infections. Tdap stands for:
The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine. That means it contains more than one vaccine in the same shot. The Tdap vaccine is only for children ages 7 and older, adolescents and adults. What are the differences between the DTaP vaccine, DT vaccine, Tdap vaccine and Td vaccine?The differences between the vaccines are in which infections they prevent, what age group can get them and other indications.
What do the uppercase and lowercase letters mean in the vaccine names?Uppercase letters mean the vaccine has a full-strength dose of that part of the vaccine. The lowercase “d” and “p” in Tdap mean the vaccine uses smaller doses of diphtheria and pertussis. The “a” in Tdap is an abbreviation for “acellular.” Acellular means the vaccine contains only part of the pertussis bacteria instead of the whole bacteria. Who should get the Tdap vaccine?The Tdap vaccine is for anyone ages 7 and older. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following:
Should I get the Tdap vaccine if I’m pregnant?Yes. If you’re pregnant, you should get a dose of Tdap. The Tdap vaccine during pregnancy:
Studies have shown there haven’t been any safety issues with the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Getting the vaccine doesn’t cause any risks to your baby, including premature birth or low birth weight. Side effects of the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy are the same for those who aren’t pregnant. Who shouldn’t get the Tdap vaccine?Some people shouldn’t receive the Tdap vaccine. If you’re very ill, you should wait until your illness has passed before receiving the Tdap vaccine. Ask your healthcare provider if you should receive the Tdap vaccine if you have had:
Procedure DetailsWhat is the Tdap vaccine schedule?Children ages 7 and older who didn’t receive a series of DTaP or DT vaccines should start or complete their vaccination series with Tdap. Preteens (ages 11 or 12) should get the Tdap vaccine to boost their immunity. Adults who’ve never received the Tdap vaccine should get a dose of Tdap. People ages 7 and older should receive a Tdap vaccine booster shot every 10 years. How much does the Tdap vaccine cost?The Tdap vaccine cost ranges from about $43 to $48. Many private health insurance plans cover most of the cost of the vaccine. Some Medicare and Medicaid plans cover the cost of the vaccine as well. Where can I get the Tdap vaccine?Your healthcare provider’s office is the best place to receive the Tdap vaccine. If a healthcare provider near you doesn’t have the vaccine available for adults, you may be able to receive the vaccine at:
Check with your state health department if you need further help to access the vaccine. Does the Tdap vaccine hurt?After you receive the Tdap vaccine, you may experience pain at the injection site. The pain should decrease within a few days. Can I get the Tdap vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?Yes. You may safely receive Tdap at the same time as other vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Risks / BenefitsWhat are the benefits of the Tdap vaccine?The Tdap vaccine reduces your risk of getting tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Diphtheria and pertussis are infections that spread from person to person. Tetanus doesn’t spread from person to person but can enter your body through cuts or wounds. All three diseases can cause serious, life-threatening health conditions. What are the possible side effects of the Tdap vaccine?The most common side effects of the Tdap vaccine include:
Severe reactions to the Tdap vaccine are extremely rare. If you develop any of the following signs of an allergic reaction, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room:
When to Call the DoctorWhat questions should I ask my healthcare provider?It’s normal to have questions before you get a vaccine. Some common questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic The Tdap vaccine can prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. All three of these bacterial infections can cause serious health complications. It’s important to stay up to date on your Tdap vaccine. Get a Tdap vaccine booster shot every 10 years to boost your immunity. Side effects of the vaccine are mild and serious reactions are rare. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should get the Tdap vaccine. |