Tdap Vaccine

The Tdap vaccine helps protect against three bacterial infections:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis (whooping cough)

It works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and respond to these infections. The vaccine can help lower your risk of serious illness if you’re exposed to these bacteria.

Healthcare providers recommend the Tdap vaccine for children 7 years and older, preteens and adults. It’s also recommended during each pregnancy to help protect newborn babies from whooping cough in their first few months of life.

Tdap is part of a routine vaccine schedule in the United States. Many people receive the Tdap vaccine booster shot after getting DTaP vaccines during childhood.

Like all vaccines and medicines, the Tdap vaccine can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

What’s the difference between DTaP, Tdap and Td?

You may see various combinations of the vaccine, based on who usually gets them and which infections they protect against. DTaP is “full strength” on all three. It has more antigens for diphtheria and pertussis than the Tdap vaccine.

What happens when you get the Tdap vaccine?

A healthcare provider gives the Tdap vaccine as a shot (injection), usually in your upper arm. The appointment is typically quick and only takes a few minutes.

You may receive Tdap during a routine wellness visit or during pregnancy. Or you may get it after an injury that could increase your risk of tetanus, like a severe burn or wound.

Who should get the Tdap vaccine?

Healthcare providers recommend the Tdap vaccine for:

• Preteens ages 11 to 12 years old as part of their routine vaccine schedule
• Teens and adults who’ve never received a Tdap vaccine before
• Adults who spend time around babies younger than 12 months old
• People who need protection after certain injuries or wounds
• People catching up on missed vaccines

You should also receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy — even if you’ve received it before — to pass immunity to your newborn. Your provider may recommend getting the vaccine at the beginning of the third trimester.

If you’re not sure whether you’ve had a Tdap vaccine before, your provider can help decide whether you should receive one. In many cases, it’s OK to receive a Tdap vaccine if your vaccine history is unclear or incomplete.

How often is a Tdap vaccine needed?

Most people receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine during adolescence or adulthood. After that, healthcare providers generally recommend a tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years. This booster may be either Td or Tdap.

You may also need a tetanus-containing vaccine sooner after certain injuries or wounds, depending on when you last received one.

How successful is the Tdap vaccine?

The Tdap vaccine is highly effective at helping protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Protection can decrease over time, which is why booster shots are important.

Even if someone who’s vaccinated develops one of these infections, vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness.

How long after the Tdap vaccine can side effects last?

Tdap vaccine side effects are generally mild and go away within a few days.

Your arm may feel sore or swollen where you received the vaccine. Other side effects of the Tdap vaccine may include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Mild fever
• Body aches

These symptoms usually improve on their own.

Is there anything I can do to make the Tdap vaccine easier on me?

You may feel more comfortable if you:

• Move or gently exercise your arm after the shot.
• Use a cool compress on the injection site.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Rest if you feel tired.

Ask your healthcare provider whether over-the-counter pain relievers are OK for you to take if needed.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your provider if you have symptoms that concern you or that last longer than a few days.

Go to the ER if you have a high fever or severe pain or swelling near the injection site. Call 911 or emergency services if you have any signs of an allergic reaction, like trouble breathing or swelling of your face.

Severe reactions to the Tdap vaccine are rare. But immediate medical care is important if they happen.

Can you get the Tdap vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. Healthcare providers may give Tdap during the same visit as other vaccines, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Can the Tdap vaccine cause tetanus, diphtheria or whooping cough?

No. The Tdap vaccine doesn’t contain live bacteria that cause these infections.

Who shouldn’t get the Tdap vaccine?

Some people may need to delay or avoid Tdap vaccination, including people who:

• Had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose
• Had a severe reaction to a pertussis-containing vaccine in the past
• Are currently moderately or severely ill

Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history before getting vaccinated. They need to know if you have seizures or other nervous system issues, or have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome.