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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) VIS						Print
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										Current Edition Date: 8/6/2021Print VIS [2 pages]
RTF file [3 pages](For use in electronic systems)
VIS in other languages
More information about:
Tetanus vaccination
Diphtheria vaccination
Pertussis vaccinationTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine: What you need to knowOn This Page
			Why get vaccinated?Tdap vaccineTalk with your health care providerRisks of a vaccine reactionWhat if there is a serious problem?The National Vaccine Injury Compensation ProgramHow can I learn more?Why get vaccinated?**Tdap vaccine** can prevent **tetanus**, **diphtheria**, and **pertussis**.
Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.
**TETANUS (T)** causes painful stiffening of the muscles. Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth, having trouble swallowing and breathing, or death.**DIPHTHERIA (D)** can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death.**PERTUSSIS (aP)**, also known as “whooping cough,” can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. Pertussis can be extremely serious especially in babies and young children, causing pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or death. In teens and adults, it can cause weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out, and rib fractures from severe coughing.Tdap vaccineTdap is only for children 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults.****
**Adolescents** should receive a single dose of Tdap, preferably at age 11 or 12 years.
**Pregnant people** should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably during the early part of the third trimester, to help protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.
**Adults** who have never received Tdap should get a dose of Tdap.
Also, **adults should receive a booster dose of either Tdap or Td**(a different vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis)**every 10 years**, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn.****
Tdap may be given at the same time as other vaccines.Talk with your health care providerTell your vaccination provider if the person getting the vaccine:
Has had an **allergic reaction after a previous dose of any vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis**, or has any **severe, life-threatening allergies**
Has had a **coma, decreased level of consciousness, or prolonged seizures within 7 days after a previous dose of any pertussis vaccine (DTP, DTaP, or Tdap)**
Has **seizures or another nervous system problem**
Has ever had **Guillain-Barré Syndrome** (also called “GBS”)
Has had **severe pain or swelling after a previous dose** **of any vaccine that protects against tetanus or diphtheria******In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone Tdap vaccination until a future visit.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting Tdap vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more information.Risks of a vaccine reactionPain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, mild fever, headache, feeling tired, and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache sometimes happen after Tdap vaccination.People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.What if there is a serious problem?An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call **9-1-1** and get the person to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the **VAERS website** or call **1-800-822-7967**.  *VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.*The National Vaccine Injury Compensation ProgramThe National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Claims regarding alleged injury or death due to vaccination have a time limit for filing, which may be as short as two years. Visit the **VICP website** or call **1-800-338-2382** to learn about the program and about filing a claim.How can I learn more?Ask your health care provider.
Call your local or state health department.
Visit the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaccine package inserts and additional information.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Call **1-800-232-4636** (**1-800-CDC-INFO**) or
Visit CDC’s vaccines website.Many vaccine information statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See www.immunize.org/vis
Hojas de información sobre vacunas están disponibles en español y en muchos otros idiomas. Visite www.immunize.org/visVaccine Information Statement (Interim)
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine
(8/6/21)
Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office Use Only
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) VISTop of Page
					View Page In:PDF [130K]RTF [122K]		
					
							Last Reviewed:  August 6, 2021						Source: 	National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
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