Tdap Vaccine is a combination vaccine which protects against three potentially life threatening bacterial diseases i.e. Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Whooping Cough). This is required for the children who are 10 years of age or older or who have got the vaccine in the past. Tdap Vaccine will boost up the protection level of your child as compare to earlier doses.

Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, to protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis. Another vaccine, called Td, protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis. A Td booster should be given every 10 years.

Tetanus (Lockjaw) causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness, usually all over the body. It can lead to tightening of muscles in the head and neck so you can’t open your mouth, swallow or sometimes even breathe. 

Diphtheria can cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and death.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) causes severe coughing spells, which can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting and disturbed sleep. It can also lead to weight loss, incontinence and rib fractures.

How tdap is transmitted

These diseases are caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person through secretions from coughing or sneezing even if one shares the breathing space. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.

Available Brand names for Tdap vaccine

1. Adacel from Sanofi Pasteur

2. Boostrix from GSK

Vaccination Schedule of Tdap Vaccine

Routine vaccination:

• Minimum age: 7 years (Adacel is approved for 11-64 years by ACIP¹ and 4 to 64 year olds by FDA², while Boostrix for 10 years and older by ACIP and 4 years of age and older by FDA in US).

• Administer 1 dose of Tdap vaccine to all adolescents aged 11 through 12 years.

• Tdap during pregnancy: One dose of Tdap vaccine to pregnant mothers/adolescents during each pregnancy (preferred during 27 through 36 weeks gestation) regardless of number of years from prior Td or Tdap vaccination.

Catch-up vaccination:

• Catch up above 7 years: Tdap, Td, Td at 0, 1 and 6 months.

• Persons aged 7 through 10 years who are not fully immunized with the childhood DTwP/DTaP vaccine series, should receive Tdap vaccine as the first dose in the catch-up series, if additional doses are needed, use Td vaccine. For these children, an adolescent Tdap vaccine should not be given.

• Persons aged 11 through 18 years who have not received Tdap vaccine should receive a dose followed by tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) booster doses every 10 years thereafter.

• Tdap vaccine can be administered regardless of the interval since the last tetanus and diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccine.

• Tdap vaccine should not be used as second booster for DTP series.

There are few situations in which people should not get the Tdap Vaccinedone:

• If a person had been in coma or any kind of repeated seizures after his childhood dose of DTP or DTaP vaccine.

• If a person had a life threatening allergic reactions after the previous doses ofany diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis containing vaccine.

• If a person had severe pain or body swelling after any vaccine containing Diphtheria, Tetanus or Pertussis.

• If a person is not feeling well on the particular scheduled day of vaccination.

• If ever anyone had a condition called Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS).

Side Effects after Tdap Vaccination

There are mild side Effects of Tdap vaccine to most of the people which includes the following:-

• Tiredness

• Muscle aches & pains

• Swollen glands only if component of the vaccine is given too often.

• Pain and redness in the arm where shot was given

• Headache

• Mild fever

• Stomach upset which can includes vomiting, nausea

The side effects can begin 2 days to 3-4 weeks (only possible in serious reactions of Tdap vaccine). One can visit the doctor if there is a deep, aching pain in the upper arm and muscles.

Parents can do the following things before, during and after vaccine visits to make them easier and less stressful.

Before the vaccination visit

• Read any vaccine materials you received from your child’s health care professional. Learn more about the benefits & side effects of Tdap vaccine.

• Bring your child’s personal immunization record and to the appointment. An up-to-date record tells your doctor exactly what shots your child has already received.

• Pack a favorite toy or book, and a blanket that your child uses regularly to comfort your child.

• Be honest with your child. Explain that shots can pinch but that it won’t hurt for long.

• Engage other family members, especially older siblings, to support your child.

• Remind children that vaccines can keep them healthy.

Post Vaccination

• Point out interesting things in the room to help create distractions.

• Support your child if he or she cries.

• Review any information your doctor gives you about the shots especially that outline which side effects might be expected.

• Use a cool, wet cloth to reduce redness, soreness, and swelling in the place where the shot was given.

• Give your child lots of liquid. It’s normal for some children to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.

• Pay extra attention to your child for a few days. If you see something that concerns you, call your doctor.