Tdap Vaccine: What You Need to Know
Why Get Vaccinated
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults who have close contact with a baby under 12 months of age receive a single dose of Tdap. The incidence of Pertussis has been on the rise since 1990 and immunity to the disease wanes 5 -10 years following childhood immunization. Infants are the most vulnerable to infection and family members are the most often identified source of spreading the disease.
When Should I Get the Vaccine?
The Tdap vaccine can be safely given to pregnant women after the 20th week of pregnancy – preferably during the 3rd trimester. If a new mother does not receive the vaccine during pregnancy, she should receive it before she is discharged from the hospital following her birth.
Should My Family Members Also be Vaccinated?
Fathers and other adult family members who have close contact with your baby are encouraged to ask their primary care provider for the vaccine.
How Often Should I Receive the Tdap Vaccine?
Tdap is given only once in adulthood.
Who Should Not Receive the Vaccine?
The only times that the Tdap vaccine is not recommended is if someone has a history of allergy to vaccines or if someone has already received the Tdap vaccine in adulthood.
How Can I Learn More?
Ask your OB/GYN, Midwife or Primary Care Doctor about the vaccine. Contact your local and state health departments or the CDC (1-800-CDC-INFO) or visit the CDC website www.cdc.gov/vaccines.
Resource: echn.org