# Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

> The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. If you have health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Medova is not a medical service provider.

Source: https://medova.health/en/knowledge/vaccines/tdap-vaccine · Language: en

## Vaccine Information

- Type: Inactivated
- Administration: Injection
- WHO Code: Tdap
- Travel Recommended: No

## Overview

Booster vaccine for adolescents and adults against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

Booster vaccine for adolescents and adults against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

Adolescents at 11-12 years, adults every 10 years, pregnant women.

**Pregnancy: Recommended in every pregnancy.**

Tdap vaccination is **actively recommended during each pregnancy**, optimally at **27–36 weeks gestation**, to maximize maternal antibody transfer to the newborn.


- Passive antibodies protect the infant against pertussis in the first 2–3 months before their own DTaP series begins.

- If not given during pregnancy, administer Tdap immediately postpartum.

- Safe at any gestational age, but third-trimester timing optimizes neonatal protection.

- WHO, CDC/ACIP, and most European NIPPs recommend maternal Tdap.

- No teratogenic effects observed. Extensive post-marketing safety data available.

**Breastfeeding: Safe — actively recommended.**

Tdap is safe and recommended for breastfeeding mothers who were not vaccinated during pregnancy. Maternal vaccination during breastfeeding does not replace the benefit of antenatal vaccination but still provides cocooning protection for the newborn.

**Pediatric use:**


- **Tdap** (reduced-antigen): licensed from **≥7 years** (Boostrix) or **≥10 years** (Adacel).

- Children <7 years receive **DTaP** (full-dose) — not Tdap.

- DTaP schedule: 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months, 4–6 years (5 doses).

- Adolescent Tdap booster: 11–12 years (US ACIP).

- Catch-up: unvaccinated children ≥7 years receive Tdap as first dose, then Td or Tdap boosters.

- Preterm infants: vaccinate at chronological age with standard DTaP schedule.

**Geriatric use:**


- A single Tdap dose is recommended for all adults who have not previously received it, regardless of age.

- Subsequent Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years.

- Pertussis in elderly adults is underdiagnosed and can cause prolonged coughing illness, rib fractures, and pneumonia.

- Boostrix is licensed without an upper age limit. Adacel is licensed up to 64 years in some jurisdictions.

## Side Effects

- Anaphylaxis (Very rare) — Serious
- Angioedema (Very rare) — Serious
- Arthralgia (Common)
- Bell's palsy (Very rare) — Serious
- Chills (Common)
- Diarrhea (Common)
- Dizziness (Common)
- Fatigue (Very common)
- Febrile seizure (Very rare) — Serious
- Fever (Common)
- Generalized rash (Uncommon)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (Very rare) — Serious
- Headache (Very common)
- Hypoesthesia (Rare)
- Injection site induration (Common)
- Injection site pain (Very common)
- Injection site redness (Very common)
- Injection site swelling (Very common)
- Injection site warmth (Common)
- Limb pain (Common)
- Loss of appetite (Common)
- Lymphadenopathy (Uncommon)
- Malaise (Common)
- Myalgia (Very common)
- Nausea (Common)
- Paresthesia (Uncommon)
- Reduced arm mobility (Uncommon)
- Syncope (Uncommon)
- Urticaria (Rare)
- Vomiting (Uncommon)

## Contraindications

- Acute febrile illness (Precaution)
- Anaphylaxis after previous dose (Absolute)
- Allergy to vaccine component (Absolute)
- Bleeding disorder (Precaution)
- Encephalopathy after pertussis vaccine (Absolute)
- History of Guillain-Barré syndrome (Precaution)
- Latex allergy (Precaution)
- Moderate immunosuppression (Precaution)
- Thrombocytopenia (Precaution)

## Vaccination Schedule

| Dose | Brand | Days from previous | Age range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dose 1 | Boostrix | — | 10 years+ |
| Dose 1 | Adacel | — | 10 years+ (max: 64 years) |
| Dose 1 | Adacel | — | — |
| Dose 1 | Adacel | — | — |
| Dose 1 | Adacel | 3650d | — |

## FAQ

**How many doses of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) are needed?**

The Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccination schedule consists of 5 dose(s).

**What are the side effects of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)?**

Common side effects include: Anaphylaxis, Angioedema, Arthralgia, Bell's palsy, Chills.

**Who should not get Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)?**

Contraindications include: Acute febrile illness, Anaphylaxis after previous dose, Allergy to vaccine component, Bleeding disorder, Encephalopathy after pertussis vaccine.

## Prevents

- [Pertussis (Whooping Cough)](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/diseases/pertussis)
- [Tetanus](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/diseases/tetanus)
- [Diphtheria](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/diseases/diphtheria)

## Indications

- [Finland](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/finland): Recommended
- [Myanmar](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/myanmar): Recommended
- [Saudi Arabia](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/saudi-arabia): Recommended
- [South Sudan](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/south-sudan): Recommended
- [Malaysia](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/malaysia): Recommended
- [Qatar](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/qatar): Recommended
- [Nicaragua](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/nicaragua): Recommended
- [Saint Vincent and the Grenadines](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines): Recommended
- [Colombia](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/colombia): Recommended
- [Sweden](https://medova.health/en/knowledge/countries/sweden): Recommended

## Sources & content verification

- Data sources: WHO Position Papers 2024 + CDC Pink Book 2024 + EMA SmPC, WHO Position Papers, CDC Pink Book 2024, EMA SmPC
- [www.who.int](https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/policies/position-papers)

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The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. If you have health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Medova is not a medical service provider.

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