The Tdap vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). All of these are serious, potentially deadly illnesses caused by bacteria.

For information on these diseases and their treatment, see the specific article:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis

See also:

• Diphtheria immunization
• DTaP immunization
• Pertussis vaccine
• Tetanus vaccine

Tdap is not the same as DTaP. They both protect against the same diseases, but are given at different times. For information on DTaP, see: DTaP immunization.

Tdap is recommended as a booster to the DTaP vaccine in people ages 11 - 64. It is given by a shot (injection), usually into the arm or thigh.

Tdap vaccine is recommended for children around ages 11 – 12. Adults ages 19 – 64 should receive one dose of Tdap as a substitute for the Td vaccine.

If you previously had a Td vaccine in the last 10 years, ask your doctor if you also need the Tdap vaccine to protect you against whooping cough.

Because this vaccine protects against pertussis, the following people should make sure they are up-to-date with their Tdap immunization:

• Adults who are in contact with infants under 12 months (Tdap can be given as early as 2 years after you receive Td vaccine)
• New mothers who have never received Tdap (during pregnancy, Td is usually preferred over Tdap)
• Health care workers who are in direct contact with patients (once every 2 years)

Children and adults who have had a severe cut or burn may need Tdap to protect against tetanus infection.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Tdap may cause the following mild side effects, which usually last only a few days:

• Body aches
• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Rash
• Redness or swelling at the injection site
• Soreness at the injection site

CONSIDERATIONS

You should not get the Tdap vaccine if you:

• Have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine
• Have a severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine
• Went into a coma or had a seizure within 7 days after receiving the DTaP vaccine

Talk to your health care provider before getting the Tdap vaccine if you or your child:

• Have epilepsy or another nervous system problem
• Had severe swelling or pain after receiving any vaccination containing tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis
• Have had Guillain Barre syndrome
• Have a severe allergy to latex

If you or your child has a moderate or severe illness, you can delay Tdap vaccination until the illness is gone. People with a mild illness can usually still receive the vaccination.

If you cannot take the pertussis vaccine (for example, because of an allergic reaction), you will receive a vaccine against diphtheria and tetanus (DT for children and Td for adults).

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:

• You are not sure whether your child should get this vaccine
• You or your child develops severe symptoms after a vaccination, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, weakness, or dizziness
• You have questions or concerns about Tdap

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents--United States, 2008. Pediatrics. 2008;121:219-220.

Damlo S. ACIP recommends the use of Tdap in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:891-892.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule – United States, October 2007-September 2008. MMWR. 2007;56:Q1-Q4.