Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) and Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) Vaccine

Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria.

Tdap vaccine:

  • Protects teens and adults against whooping cough and prevents the spread of this disease to others.
  • Protects babies from whooping cough if other people around them get the vaccine. Babies have the highest risk of serious illness from whooping cough. Anyone in close contact with a baby, like parents, siblings, child care providers, grandparents, and healthcare workers, should get the Tdap vaccine.

Because protection provided by the vaccine against disease falls over time, adults need a Td or Tdap booster shot every 10 years to keep a high level of protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

Who needs Tdap and Td vaccines?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Tdap vaccine for everyone starting at age 11 or 12 years. CDC recomends booster shots using Td or Tdap vaccine through adulthood.

One dose of Tdap vaccine is recommended for:

  • Children age 7 to 10 years who did not get all 5 doses of DTaP vaccine.
  • Children age 11 to 18 years (preferably at 11 or 12 years of age).
  • Pregnant people need Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, By getting this vaccine, pregnant people develop immunity to protect their baby against whooping cough, and pass some protection on to the baby. The best time for pregnant people to get the vaccine is as early as possible between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation (known as the third trimester).
  • Adults age 19 years of age and older, especially anyone in close contact with babies less than 12 months of age. Grandparents… Protect your loved ones against flu and whooping cough (PDF) Other languages available
  • Healthcare workers who have direct patient contact.

 Get a single dose of Tdap vaccine. Then every 10 years, get a Td or Tdap vaccine as a booster shot

Injury and Vaccination

Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. If you get a severe and dirty wound or burn, you can get Td or Tdap vaccine to protect you against tetanus even if it has been less than 10 years since your last dose.

State-Supplied Vaccine

Vaccine Information Statement

Related Information

Other Resources

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