What vaccines are available to prevent pertussis?

There are two vaccines for pertussis that are given at different ages and life situations:

DTaP is given to babies and children. It protects against pertussis and two other serious diseases, tetanus and diphtheria. Babies get their first dose of DTaP at age 2 months, and then 4 more doses at ages 4 months, 6 months, 15–18 months, and 4–6 years.

A booster shot, called Tdap, is given at age 11–12 years.

Adults older than age 19 who have never had Tdap should get it once during their lifetime. It can replace one of the tetanus booster shots (Td) that is given every 10 years.

Pregnant women need to get Tdap during each pregnancy.

Why is getting vaccinated against pertussis with Tdap important during pregnancy?

Babies can’t be vaccinated until they are 2 months old. They aren’t protected against pertussis until they can get the vaccine. You can help protect your baby during this time by getting the vaccine during pregnancy.

Why do I need to get Tdap during each pregnancy?

When you get Tdap, your body immediately starts making antibodies. These are the proteins made by your immune system that target pertussis if you are exposed to it.

These antibodies cross the placenta and enter your fetus’s bloodstream. When your baby is born, he or she will have enough antibodies to protect against pertussis until it’s time to get the vaccine at age 2 months. Getting Tdap during every pregnancy boosts your antibodies so that the maximum amount can be transferred to your fetus.

When should I get Tdap during pregnancy?

The best time to get Tdap is between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It’s recommended that you get it as early as possible within this timeframe.

What if I don’t get Tdap during my pregnancy?

You can get Tdap after pregnancy. Breastfeeding will transfer the antibodies you make after getting the vaccine to your baby. But it takes up to 2 weeks for your body to make the maximum amount of antibodies. During this time, your baby may not be fully protected against pertussis. That’s why the best way to protect your baby is to get Tdap during each pregnancy.

Is the vaccine safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Tdap vaccination in pregnancy is very safe. Research done in the last 10 years has shown that getting the vaccine during pregnancy doesn’t increase the risk of pregnancy problems or birth defects.

Who else in the household should get a Tdap vaccine?

All family members and caregivers who will have contact with your baby should also have had a Tdap booster vaccine. Even if they received a standard tetanus booster within the past 10 years, they should get the Tdap vaccination at least 2 to 3 weeks before the baby is born.

Are there side effects of the Tdap vaccine?

The vaccine has very few side effects. Pain and redness can occur where the injection is given. If any pain, redness, or swelling lasts beyond a few days, contact your health-care provider