Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against three serious bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)..

It is primarily given to adolescents and adults as a booster shot.

Recommended Schedule

The Tdap vaccine is a single-dose booster, and follow-up booster shots are typically given every 10 years

What Tdap protects against

•  Tetanus (T): A nerve-affecting infection caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, and manure. It can cause painful muscle tightening and "lockjaw," which may lead to breathing difficulties and death.
•  Diphtheria (d): A contagious infection that causes a thick coating to form in the back of the throat, which can cause breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, or death.
•  Pertussis (ap): A highly contagious respiratory infection also known as "whooping cough," which causes violent, uncontrollable coughing fits. It can be life-threatening, especially for infants and young children.

Tdap vs. DTaP

•   DTaP is the version of the vaccine given to infants and young children under the age of 7.
•  The letters are capitalized because it contains a full-strength dose of diphtheria and pertussis antigens.
•  Tdap is for older children and adults. The lowercase 'd' and 'p' indicate that it contains smaller, reduced doses of diphtheria and pertussis antigens.