The Tdap vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. These diseases can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. When a person gets all the recommended doses, the vaccine provides almost 100 per cent protection against tetanus and diphtheria, and around 90 per cent against severe pertussis
One Tdap booster is publicly funded for adults 18 years of age and older. A booster dose for tetanus and diphtheria is needed every ten years after completing the three dose primary series due to waning immunity over time.
One dose of Tdap is publicly funded for each pregnancy regardless of the previous vaccination history of the pregnant individual.
People with a weakened immune system may not receive the expected immune response from the vaccine.
Diphtheria is serious bacterial infection that affects the throat, nose and skin, causing severe health complications like breathing problems, heart failure, and nerve damage. Today, diphtheria is rare due to vaccination.
Tetanus, also known as “lockjaw” is a rare and often fatal infection caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, and animal manure, leading to severe muscle cramps, especially in the jaw, neck and abdomen. The bacteria can enter the body through deep cuts and survive in the soil for long periods. Tetanus occurs worldwide but it is rare in Canada because of vaccination.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a disease of the respiratory tract that can infect people of any age, but it is most dangerous for children under one year old, especially if they have not started or completed their vaccinations. People can get whooping cough more than once, even after infection or vaccination, because the body’s immune system does not produce life-long protection. Family and friends can get vaccinated to help protect babies.
Side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days. Common side effects among adults include pain, redness and swelling where the needle was given; headaches, low energy level, fever and chills. Side effects in children include pain, redness and swelling; fever, irritability, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Severe allergic reactions and neurological reactions are rare. Very rare, is a condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome, an inflammation of the nerves in the arms and legs that can lead to temporary paralysis after tetanus vaccination. The incidence is less than one per million people vaccinated. Report any side effects or severe vaccine reactions to your health care provider.
After you receive any immunization, make sure your health care provider updates your personal immunization record (yellow card). Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting their school-age child’s immunizations to public health every time their child gets a vaccine.