Tdap Vaccine and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Are you wondering what a Tdap vaccine is and whether you need it during pregnancy? This quick guide explains how it protects both you and your little one and when to get it for the best protection.

Here’s a quick look:

• The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

• It’s recommended during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks.

• Your baby can’t be vaccinated until 2 months old, so Tdap helps cover that early gap.

• Common side effects of the Tdap vaccine are mild, like soreness or a slight fever.

• You can get it at a prenatal visit, local pharmacy, or clinic.

• For most adults, it’s effective for 10 years, but you’ll still need it with every pregnancy to help protect each newborn.

Let’s explore how Tdap vaccination works, its benefits and risks, and when to consult your healthcare provider.

What Is Tdap Vaccine?

The Tdap vaccine stands for tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine. This combination vaccine helps protect you and others against three potentially serious diseases:

• Tetanus (sometimes called lockjaw) is caused by bacteria entering the body through cuts or wounds. 

• Diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection that can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, or paralysis. 

• Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can be especially dangerous for babies.

In short, it's designed to prevent the spread of these diseases, particularly pertussis, which can be severe in infants. The Tdap vaccine definition also highlights that it’s recommended for pregnant people to help protect their newborns before they’re old enough to be vaccinated themselves. 

Who Needs to Get the Tdap Vaccine?

Adults, adolescents, healthcare professionals, and pregnant people can all benefit from the Tdap vaccine. In fact, anyone who is in close contact with your baby while they’re younger than 12 months should also be vaccinated, helping reduce the risk of spreading pertussis.

How Long Does the Tdap Vaccine Last?

If you’re wondering, “How long is Tdap immunization good for?” A single Tdap vaccine is generally effective for 10 years, after which adults are advised to get a Td booster every decade. In some cases, a Tdap booster may be given instead, depending on your healthcare provider’s guidance. 

So, how many Tdap vaccines do you need? Typically, one, unless you're pregnant, in which case you’ll need a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy—ideally between 27 and 36 weeks—to help protect your baby from pertussis.

What is the Tdap Vaccine Schedule During Pregnancy?

The ideal Tdap vaccine schedule during pregnancy is between 27 weeks and 36 weeks. While the vaccine can be given at any time, this timeframe offers the best chance to pass protective antibodies to your baby.

It takes about two weeks for your body to make antibodies. Getting the vaccine in your third trimester allows those antibodies to be passed on before birth. If you miss the vaccine during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider about getting it after delivery, before leaving the hospital. 

Pros and Cons of Getting the Tdap Vaccine During Pregnancy

The Tdap vaccine is recommended during pregnancy because it may help protect your baby from pertussis after birth. Once vaccinated, your body makes antibodies that pass to your baby, helping guard against whooping cough from birth until they can begin their own shots.

The earliest your baby can be vaccinated is at 2 months of age. You can also review your baby’s full immunization schedule.

Benefits

The Tdap vaccine’s side effects are generally mild, and the vaccine is considered safe during pregnancy. It’s made with inactive bacteria, so it can’t cause the illnesses it protects against. Experts note there’s no evidence linking the vaccine to pregnancy complications. 

For babies who do get whooping cough, the infection is often less serious if their parent received the Tdap during pregnancy. One evaluation found that receiving the Tdap vaccination during the third trimester protected 9 in 10 babies from serious infections requiring hospital treatment.

Risks

Some people may experience mild Tdap vaccine symptoms after getting the shot. These are usually short-lived and not cause for concern.

Side effects of the Tdap vaccine may include pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, as well as:

• mild fever

• headache

• tiredness

• nausea

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• stomachache. 

Tdap vaccine side effects may begin within a few hours and typically resolve in a couple of days. Let your provider know if you feel dizzy, have vision changes, or hear ringing in your ears. If you’re concerned about pregnancy Tdap side effects, your healthcare provider can help answer any questions specific to your situation.

How Do You Get the Tdap Vaccine?

You can usually receive the Tdap vaccine during a prenatal care visit, such as when you’re 7 months pregnant. Your healthcare provider may recommend it and schedule the shot for you at that time.

If your provider hasn’t mentioned the vaccine, you can ask about it at your next appointment. Wondering where to get the Tdap vaccine if it’s not available at your prenatal visit? Local pharmacies, clinics, or your health department may also offer it. 

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider

If you have questions about the Tdap vaccine, or if you’re unsure whether you’ve received it during your pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider. They can confirm your vaccination status and help schedule it if needed.

You can also ask about any concerns regarding any Tdap side effects during pregnancy and whether the vaccine is right for your specific situation. If you missed the vaccine during pregnancy, your provider may advise getting it after delivery, ideally before you leave the hospital. 

The Bottom Line

Getting the Tdap vaccine may help protect you from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, and it could also help shield your baby from whooping cough during the first two months of life. It’s a simple step that offers early protection until your baby can begin their own vaccinations. 

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}