Tdap vaccine what is it

Tdap vaccine can prevent tetanus , diphtheria , and pertussis. Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 and get the person to the nearest hospital.

Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. There are two types of vaccines available, which differ in their diphtheria and pertussis content:. As part of the Singapore National Adult Immunisation Schedule NAIS , the Tdap vaccine is recommended for adults with certain medical conditions, with no history of previous vaccination or if their last vaccination was at least 10 years ago.

Consult your doctor for more details. One dose of the Tdap vaccine is also recommended during 16 to 32 weeks of each pregnancy for protection of the infant against pertussis, regardless of the interval since the previous Tdap vaccination.

You are allergic to this vaccine or any of the other ingredients of this vaccine You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding You are taking any other medications You had an adverse reaction to the previous dose of the vaccination, especially involving the brain such as altered mental status, coma or fits You have a history of fits You are currently not feeling well and having a fever You have an history of bleeding disorders.

It may be given on its own as one shot, or in combination with other vaccines e. Hepatitis B, Hib, Polio, Varicella as one shot. Some people may feel faint after the vaccination Sit for 15 minutes to avoid fainting.

During an outbreak of pertussis, the Tdap vaccine may be provided for free to women who are 26 or more weeks pregnant to protect them and their newborns. The Tdap vaccine is the best way to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis which are serious and sometimes fatal diseases. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well. Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling in the arm where the vaccine was given.

Headache, fatigue, muscle or joint soreness, and mild fever may also occur. It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is an extremely rare possibility, less than 1 in a million, of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. Should this reaction occur, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. Emergency treatment consists of the administration of epinephrine adrenaline and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call or the local emergency number.

It is important to always report all serious or unexpected reactions to your health care provider. Speak with your health care provider if you or your child has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of a tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis vaccine, or to any component of the vaccines. GBS is a rare condition that results in weakness and paralysis of the body's muscles. It most commonly occurs after infections, but in rare cases can also occur after some vaccines.

There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. However, if you have concerns, speak with your health care provider. Tetanus , also known as lockjaw, is caused by bacteria mostly found in the soil. When the bacteria enter the skin through a cut or scrape, they produce a poison that can cause painful tightening of muscles all over the body and trouble opening the mouth. It is very serious if the breathing muscles are affected.

Up to 1 in 5 people who get tetanus may die.