Tdap/Td Vaccines

Addressing Common Questions about Tdap/Td Vaccination for Adults

What diseases do these vaccines protect against? 

Tdap vaccine helps protect adults from three diseases: 

• Tetanus (lockjaw): a serious bacterial disease that causes

painful tightening of muscles that can stop muscles

from working properly, including the muscles that

control breathing

• Diphtheria: a very contagious bacterial disease that affects

the heart and respiratory system, including the lungs

• Pertussis (whooping cough): another very contagious

bacterial disease that can cause severe cough and breathing

problems

Td, a similar vaccine, provides protection from tetanus and 

diphtheria, but not whooping cough.

How common are these diseases? 

Tens of thousands of whooping cough cases are reported each 

year in the U.S. (and many more cases go unreported). There has 

been an increase in whooping cough cases in recent years, with 

many states experiencing outbreaks.

The bacteria that cause tetanus can be found everywhere in the 

environment, including soil. However, this disease is uncommon 

in the United States. Nearly all cases are among people who never 

received a tetanus vaccine or adults who didn’t stay up to date on 

their booster shots.

While diphtheria was once a major cause of illness, it is no longer 

common in the U.S. due to widespread vaccination. However, it is 

reported in other countries and could be a threat to those who 

are unvaccinated.

How are these diseases spread? 

Diphtheria and whooping cough are spread from person to person 

through coughing or sneezing. Tetanus is not spread person to 

person, but enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.

Who is at risk for these diseases? 

All adults who are not vaccinated or are not 

up to date with their vaccines are at risk for 

tetanus and diphtheria. Adults are also at 

risk for whooping cough even if they were 

vaccinated as children because the protection 

wears off over time.

What could happen if I get 

these diseases? 

TETANUS (lockjaw) causes painful muscle 

tightening and stiffness, usually all over the 

body. It can lead to tightening of muscles in 

the head and neck so you can’t open your 

mouth, swallow, or sometimes even breathe. 

Tetanus kills about 1 out of 5 people who 

are infected.

DIPHTHERIA can cause weakness, sore throat, 

fever, and swollen glands in the neck. It can 

lead to breathing problems, paralysis, and 

heart failure. Even with treatment, about 1 out 

of 10 people with diphtheria die. 

PERTUSSIS (whooping cough) causes severe 

coughing spells that can cause breathing 

difficulty. It can also lead to rib fractures, 

vomiting, loss of bladder control, and sleeping 

difficulties. Up to 1 in 20 adults with 

whooping cough is hospitalized or has

complications. Adults may pass on whooping 

cough to infants, who are at most risk for 

severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

For more information on this and 

other vaccines for adults, 

visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults.

DON’T WAIT.

VACCINATE! 
Addressing Common Questions about Tdap/Td Vaccination for Adults

Who should get Tdap and Td vaccines? 

When and how often are these vaccines needed?

ALL adults who did not get Tdap vaccine as an adolescent should 

get one dose of this vaccine. Once they have had this dose, a Td or 

Tdap booster shot should be given every 10 years. 

Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap vaccine between 27 and 

36 weeks of each pregnancy, preferably during the earlier part of 

this time period. By getting Tdap during pregnancy, mothers pass 

protection against whooping cough to their baby before birth. For 

more information on Tdap vaccine for pregnant women, visit 

www.cdc.gov/pertussis/pregnant.

Who should not get 

this vaccine? 

Adults should not get Tdap vaccine if they 

have had:

• a life-threatening allergic reaction after

a dose of any tetanus, diphtheria, or

pertussis containing vaccine, or

• a severe allergy to any part of this

vaccine.

How well do these vaccines work? 

Since vaccination began, cases of tetanus and diphtheria have dropped by about 99% and cases of whooping cough have 

dropped by about 80%. If you get Tdap vaccine and still get whooping cough, you are much more likely to have a mild illness 

with fewer complications and the illness usually won’t last as long. 

In general, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccines work well, but cannot prevent all cases of these serious 

diseases. The amount of protection you receive from Tdap vaccine depends on your age and health condition. Getting 

vaccinated gives you the best protection possible against these diseases.

How safe are these vaccines? 

Tdap and Td vaccines are very safe. They went through years of testing before being licensed by the FDA and continue to be 

monitored for safety by the FDA and CDC.

Are they safe to get if I have certain health conditions or am taking prescription meds? 

Unless you have had an allergic reaction in the past to these vaccines or have allergies to certain components of the 

vaccines, they are safe to get. They are safe for people taking prescription medications to get.

What are the potential side effects of these vaccines? 

In most cases, Tdap and Td vaccines cause no side effects, or only mild reactions that last up to a few days, such as pain or 

swelling where the shot was given, fever, headache, and tiredness. In rare cases, people experience more serious side effects 

including swelling, severe pain, bleeding and redness in the arm where the shot was given. 

Where can I get these vaccines? 

Tdap and Td vaccines may be available at private doctor offices, 

public or travel health clinics, pharmacies, or other community 

locations (such as schools/universities). Check with your doctor or 

pharmacist or use the Adult Vaccine Finder (vaccinefinder.org) to 

help you find places that provide Tdap and Td vaccines near you. 

How much do these vaccines cost?

Most private health insurance cover 

recommended adult vaccines, including Tdap 

and Td. Check with your insurance provider 

for details on whether there is any cost to you 

and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.

Last Updated April 2020