The Tdap vaccine can prevent you from getting tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. You should get a Tdap vaccine booster shot every 10 years to boost your immunity from these infections. Side effects are usually mild and include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. Serious reactions are rare.
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The Tdap vaccine protects you against three potentially severe bacterial infections. Tdap stands for:
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
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.
The differences between the vaccines are in which infections they prevent, what age group can get them and other indications.
Vaccine | Prevents | Age | Indications |
---|---|---|---|
DTaP | Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis | Age 6 and younger | Part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. |
DT | Diphtheria and tetanus | Age 6 and younger | If your child had a previous bad reaction to the pertussis vaccine. |
Tdap | Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis | Age 7 and older | To start or complete childhood vaccination; booster shot given every 10 years. |
Td | Diphtheria and tetanus | Age 7 and older | To start or complete childhood vaccination; booster shot given every 10 year. |
Vaccine | |||
DTaP | |||
Prevents | |||
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis | |||
Age | |||
Age 6 and younger | |||
Indications | |||
Part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. | |||
DT | |||
Prevents | |||
Diphtheria and tetanus | |||
Age | |||
Age 6 and younger | |||
Indications | |||
If your child had a previous bad reaction to the pertussis vaccine. | |||
Tdap | |||
Prevents | |||
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis | |||
Age | |||
Age 7 and older | |||
Indications | |||
To start or complete childhood vaccination; booster shot given every 10 years. | |||
Td | |||
Prevents | |||
Diphtheria and tetanus | |||
Age | |||
Age 7 and older | |||
Indications | |||
To start or complete childhood vaccination; booster shot given every 10 year. |
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.
The Tdap vaccine is for anyone ages 7 and older. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following:
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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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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After you receive the Tdap vaccine, you may experience pain at the injection site. The pain should decrease within a few days.
Yes. You may safely receive Tdap at the same time as other vaccines, including the COVID-19 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.
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:
It’s normal to have questions before you get a vaccine. Some common questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider include:
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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.
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Last reviewed on 04/05/2022.
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