In plain words
Tdap is a combined vaccine. It protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and , which is whooping cough. In the United States, the CDC recommends it in each pregnancy, usually in the third trimester, so the mother's antibodies pass to the baby before birth. This helps protect babies who are too young for their own pertussis shots, which start at two months. Tdap is often offered to household members and close contacts as well. It is not the same as a tetanus shot alone, which some people get after an injury. Whooping cough can be serious in young infants, so the vaccine is a central part of baby care planning.
The deeper version
Tdap is an acellular pertussis, reduced-diphtheria, and tetanus toxoid vaccine. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended maternal Tdap in each pregnancy in 2012 (published in MMWR, 2013), moving away from after studies suggested cocooning had limited effect on infant pertussis. Maternal vaccination is linked to antibody transfer and reduced infant pertussis in observational studies, with greatest infant protection when given in late pregnancy. Waning acellular immunity and infant risk before two months remain active concerns.
Where it comes up
- Vaccines: the baby's schedule and who around the babyBaby Basics
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What mothers here say about Tdap
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Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACIP — Prevention of Pertussis, Tetanus, and Diphtheria with Tdap in Pregnant Women, MMWR 2013
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases