A vaccine called Tdap (the booster shot) should be given at ages 11 to 12, and to older teens and adults who haven't yet had a booster with pertussis coverage. (This is especially important for adults who will be around newborn babies, such as grandparents or other caregivers.) Then, boosters are recommended every 10 years with either Tdap or Td (only tetanus and diphtheria). Show
Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine in the second half of each pregnancy, even if they've been vaccinated in the past. People who get a deep cut or severe burn need to get a dose of Tdap or Td to prevent tetanus infection. Why Is the DTaP Vaccine Recommended?Use of the DTaP vaccine has virtually eliminated diphtheria and tetanus in childhood and has greatly reduced the number of pertussis cases. Possible Risks of DTaP ImmunizationThe vaccine can cause mild side effects: fever; mild crankiness; tiredness; loss of appetite; and tenderness, redness, or swelling in the area where the shot was given. Rarely, a child may have a seizure, a high fever, or uncontrollable crying after getting the vaccine. But these sorts of side effects are so rare that researchers question whether they're even caused by the vaccine. Most kids have a few minor or no side effects. When to Delay or Avoid DTaP ImmunizationSimple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization, but your doctor might choose to reschedule the vaccine if your child has a more serious illness. Talk to your doctor about whether getting the vaccine is a good idea if your child had any of the following after an earlier DTaP shot: Your doctor might give a partial vaccine or no vaccine, or may decide that the benefits of vaccinating your child outweigh the potential risks. Caring for Your Child After DTaP ImmunizationYour child may have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. For pain and fever, check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and to find out the right dose. A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the injection site may help reduce soreness, as can moving or using the arm. 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.
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. VaccinePreventsAgeIndicationsDTaPTetanus, diphtheria and pertussisAge 6 and youngerPart of the routine childhood immunization schedule.DTDiphtheria and tetanusAge 6 and youngerIf your child had a previous bad reaction to the pertussis vaccine.TdapTetanus, diphtheria and pertussisAge 7 and olderTo start or complete childhood vaccination; booster shot given every 10 years.TdDiphtheria and tetanusAge 7 and olderTo start or complete childhood vaccination; booster shot given every 10 year.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. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/05/2022. References
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Do I need a Tdap booster to be around a baby?Preteens, teens, and adults who will be around the baby and have not already had a whooping cough booster shot (called Tdap vaccine) should get vaccinated. If a teen or adult will be around the baby and has already had a Tdap vaccine, they do not need to get vaccinated again.
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