Do You Recommend These Same Vaccines For Grandparents And Other Family Members Who Will Be In Close Contact With The Newborn
I do. All close contacts to the newborn should be vaccinated with the annual influenza vaccine at least 2 weeks before meeting the baby.
They should also have had Tdap in the last 10 years. If they have not received that vaccine, they should get a Tdap booster at least 2 weeks before meeting the baby.
Read: How to Prepare for Flu Season: A Family Guide
Immunogenicity Efficacy And Effectiveness
Immunogenicity
Immunologic correlates of protection against pertussis are not well-defined, but higher levels of anti-pertussis antibodies seem to be associated with greater protection. In general, acellular pertussis-containing combination vaccines have demonstrated good immunogenicity of their component antigens. Consistently high response to pertussis vaccine has been observed after booster vaccination. Early third trimester Tdap vaccination in pregnancy leads to efficient transplacental transfer of vaccine-derived antibodies to the infant which persist until the infant may begin to be immunized at 2 months of age.
Efficacy and effectiveness
The vaccine efficacy following the primary series with acellular pertussis vaccines is estimated to be about 85%, and approximately 90% following booster immunization. Although the duration of protection afforded by acellular pertussis vaccine is unknown, available data suggests that protection does not significantly decline between the first booster and second booster with an acellular pertussis vaccine. However, a progressive decline in protection has been observed following the second booster dose. Tdap immunization in pregnancy is estimated to provide protection against pertussis in 9 of 10 infants less than 3 months of age.
How Can I Learn More
- Ask your doctor. He or she can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
- Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention : Call or visit CDC’s website at .
Tdap Vaccine Vaccine Information Statement. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Program. 2/24/2015.
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Caring For Your Child After Dtap Immunization
Your child may have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. For pain and fever, check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophenoribuprofen, and to find out the right dose.
A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the injection site may help reduce soreness, as can moving or using the arm.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines.
Persons who believe they may have been injured by a vaccine can learn about the program and about filing a claim by calling or visiting the VICP website at . There is a time limit to file a claim for compensation.
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Efficacy Effectiveness And Immunogenicity
Efficacy and effectiveness
Protective antitoxin concentrations occur in virtually all healthy infants and children who receive primary tetanus immunization. Efficacy in standard pre-exposure and post-wound booster immunization regimens in adults has not been assessed in randomized trials but has been demonstrated in observational studies. Cases of tetanus occurring in fully immunized persons whose last dose was within the last 10 years are extremely rare.
Immunogenicity
It has been consistently demonstrated in clinical trials that one month after completion of a three dose primary series at least 99% of vaccinees have protective antibody titre.
Who Should Not Get Tdap Vaccine Or Should Wait
- A person who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of any diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis containing vaccine, or has a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, should not get Tdap vaccine. Tell the person giving the vaccine about any severe allergies.
- Anyone who had a coma or long repeated seizures within 7 days after a childhood dose of DTP or DTaP, or a previous dose of Tdap, should not get Tdap, unless a cause other than the vaccine was found. They can still get Td.
- Talk to your doctor if you:
- have seizures or another nervous system problem,
- had severe pain or swelling after any vaccine containing diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis,
- ever had a condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome ,
- aren’t feeling well on the day the shot is scheduled.
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When To Delay Or Avoid Dtap Immunization
Simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization, but your doctor might choose to reschedule the vaccine if your child has a more serious illness.
Talk to your doctor about whether getting the vaccine is a good idea if your child had any of the following after an earlier DTaP shot:
- a brain or nervous-system problem, like coma or seizures
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- severe pain or swelling of a whole arm or leg
Your doctor might give a partial vaccine or no vaccine, or may decide that the benefits of vaccinating your child outweigh the potential risks.
Vaccines For People Who Could Become Pregnant
Vaccination is important for everyone of reproductive age, whether planning a pregnancy or not.
During pregnancy, your immune system changes and this can put you at risk for a number of serious infectious diseases and complications. Your baby can also be affected by these infections, which can result in:
- birth defects
- miscarriage
- death
Since an unplanned pregnancy can happen, it’s important to keep your vaccinations up to date at all times. This will help protect you and your baby from certain infections that could cause serious complications. Talk to your health care provider about your vaccination status.
Learn more about vaccination and pregnancy.
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Who Should Avoid Getting The Tdap Vaccine
Although the risk of having a severe allergic reaction to a Tdap vaccine is very low, certain people should avoid getting the Tdap vaccine, including:
- people who have had a previous life threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis
- people who were in a coma or had seizures within 7 days of a childhood dose of DTP or DTaP, or a previous dose of Tdap
- anyone under the age of 7 years old
Talk with your doctor if you have seizures or another condition that affects the nervous system.
Also, let your doctor know if youve ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome or if youve ever experienced severe pain or swelling after any previous vaccine containing diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis.
A healthcare professionals office such as a pediatrician, family practitioner, or community health clinic is usually the best place to receive a Tdap vaccine.
These vaccines may also be available for adults at:
- pharmacies
- health departments
- other community locations, such as schools and religious centers
You can also reach out to federally funded health centers as well as your state health department to learn where to get a vaccine near you.
Why Do You Need Booster Shots
The tetanus vaccine doesnt provide lifelong immunity. Protection begins to decrease after about 10 years, which is why doctors advise booster shots every decade.
A doctor may recommend children and adults get a booster shot earlier if theres a suspicion they may have been exposed to tetanus-causing spores.
For example, if you step on a rusty nail or have a deep cut thats been exposed to infected soil, your doctor may recommend a booster.
Some people shouldnt be vaccinated, including people who:
- had severe reactions to previous doses of the vaccine
- have Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological immune disorder
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What Are Diphtheria Tetanus And Pertussis
The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine protects against:
- Diphtheria: a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing problems
- Tetanus : a nerve disease that can happen at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound
- Pertussis : a respiratory illness with cold-like symptoms that lead to severe coughing . Serious complications can affect children under 1 year old, and those younger than 6 months old are especially at risk. Teens and adults with a lasting cough might have pertussis and not realize it, and could pass it to vulnerable infants.
What Are The Tdap And Td Vaccines

Tdap and Td are shots given to protect you and others around you from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis . These are severe infections caused by bacteria. Tetanus bacteria are found in dirt, manure, and dust. The bacteria enter the body through open skin, such as puncture wounds and burns. Diphtheria and pertussis bacteria are spread from person to person.
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Adult Household Contacts And Carers Of Infants
Adult household contacts and carers of infants < 6 months of age are recommended to receive dTpa vaccine at least 2 weeks before they have close contact with the infant if their last dose was more than 10 years ago.27,28 Pertussis infection in infants < 6 months of age is associated with significant morbidity. The infection source in infants is often a household contact.29 See Epidemiology.
It is safe to give pertussis-containing vaccine to children, adolescents or adults who have had laboratory-confirmed pertussis infection. These people should receive all routinely scheduled pertussis-containing vaccines because natural immunity does not provide lifelong protection.
This is particularly important for infants < 6 months of age who develop pertussis because they may not mount an adequate immune response after infection.
See also Vaccine information and Variations from product information for more details.
Tetanus Immunoglobulin Available In Australia
Tetanus Immunoglobulin-VF
Sponsor: CSL Behring
Route: Intramuscular
160 mg/mL immunoglobulin prepared from human plasma containing high levels of antibody to the toxin of Clostridium tetani.
Single vial containing 250 of human tetanus antitoxin, with the actual volume stated on the label on the vial.
Also contains glycine.
Tetanus Immunoglobulin-VF
Sponsor: CSL Behring
Route: Intravenous
5565 mg/mL immunoglobulin prepared from human plasma containing high levels of antibody to the toxin of Clostridium tetani.
Single vial containing 4000
People who have clinical tetanus should receive tetanus immunoglobulin for intravenous use.12
The recommended dose is 4000 IU, to be given by slow intravenous infusion. Consult detailed protocols on using this product and managing adverse events.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service has information about tetanus immunoglobulin:
- for intramuscular use to manage tetanus-prone wounds
- for intravenous use to treat clinical tetanus
The only absolute contraindications to tetanus-containing vaccines are:
- anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any tetanus-containing vaccine
- anaphylaxis after any component of a tetanus-containing vaccine
If a person has a tetanus-prone wound and has previously had a severe adverse event after tetanus vaccination, consider other measures, including using tetanus immunoglobulin.
Very rare adverse events after receiving dT
- urticaria
- peripheral neuropathy
C. tetani produces a potent protein toxin that has 2 components:
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What Are The Current Vaccine Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends tetanus vaccines for people of all ages. Adolescents and adults receive either the Td or Tdap vaccines. These vaccines protect over 95% of people from disease for approximately 10 years. Currently the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends a booster shot every 10 years. Injury or wound management and pregnancy may affect this schedule.
How Do You Get Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious disease caused by bacteria called Clostridium tetani.
The spores of the bacteria live in soil, dust, saliva, and manure. If an open cut or wound is exposed to the spores, they can enter your body.
Once inside the body, the spores produce toxic bacteria that affects muscles and nerves. Tetanus is sometimes called lockjaw because of the stiffness it can cause in the neck and jaw.
The most common scenario for catching tetanus is stepping on a dirty nail or sharp shard of glass or wood that pierces through the skin.
Puncture wounds are most prone to tetanus because theyre narrow and deep. Oxygen can help kill the spores of the bacteria, but unlike gaping cuts, puncture wounds dont allow oxygen much access.
Other ways you may develop tetanus:
- contaminated needles
- wounds with dead tissue, such as burns or frostbite
- a wound thats not cleaned thoroughly
You cant catch tetanus from someone who has it. Its not spread from person to person.
The time between exposure to tetanus and the appearance of symptoms ranges between a few days to a few months.
Most people with tetanus will experience symptoms within
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How Often Do I Need The Whooping Cough Vaccine
Thank you for your question.
Whooping cough, known medically as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection.
As a child, you probably were vaccinated with the DTaP vaccine , one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years.
A single dose of the Tdap vaccine is given to adolescents ages 11 through 18, preferably ages 11 to 12.
The CDC recommends one dose of Tdap be administered to adults 19 years of age and older who did not get Tdap as an adolescent.
Expectant mothers should receive Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.
Nina, I hope this information is help in determining if you need a booster pertussis vaccine.
Regards,
Preparations Authorized For Use In Canada
Tetanus toxoid is only available in combination vaccines.
Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines
- ADACEL® , sanofi pasteur Ltd.
- ADACEL®-POLIO , sanofi pasteur Ltd.
- BOOSTRIX® adsorbed vaccine containing tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and reduced acellular pertussis vaccine), GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- BOOSTRIX®-POLIO , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX®-IPV , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX®-IPV/Hib , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX hexa , inactivated poliomyelitis and conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- PEDIACEL®, Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- QUADRACEL®, Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- Td ADSORBED . Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- Td POLIO ADSORBED , Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
Tetanus immunoglobulin
- HYPERTET®S/D solvent/detergent treated), Grifols Therapeutics LLC.
TIg is a solution of tetanus Ig for IM administration prepared from pooled human plasma of screened donors immunized with tetanus toxoid.
For complete prescribing information, consult the product leaflet or information contained within Health Canada’s authorized product monographs available through the Drug Product Database. Refer to Contents of Immunizing Agents Available for Use in Canada in Part 1 for lists of all vaccines and passive immunizing agents available for use in Canada and their contents.
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Vaccines For Adults 60 Years Of Age And Older
Some vaccine preventable disease are more common with age, as our immune system may not respond as well as we get older. This puts us at a greater risk for certain diseases, including:
- flu
- pneumococcal disease
The flu is more likely to cause severe illness and even death in older adults.
It’s also important to make sure routine vaccines are up to date for diseases such as:
- diphtheria
- whooping cough
Immunization : Tetanus And Diphtheria Vaccine

Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization strongly recommends that all Canadians receive a primary immunizing course of tetanus toxoid in childhood followed by routine booster doses every 10 years.
Td is a two-in-one vaccine. It protects people against tetanus and diphtheria. It is recommended for persons 7 years or older. Vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario .
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When Should You Get A Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis Vaccine
ANSWER
A single shot of Tdap protects against all three diseases. One shot of Td guards against tetanus and diphtheria.
How often should you get it?: Get one-time Tdap vaccination, followed by a Td booster every 10 years.
Who needs it?
- Adults up to age 64 who havent had the Tdap vaccine in the past 10 years or at all
- People 65 and older who havent had the vaccine and will be in close contact with a baby younger than 12 months
- Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine, preferably between weeks 27 and 36 of each pregnancy.
- Anyone who hasnt had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years and has already gotten a Tdap shot should get a Td vaccine.
News release, FDA.
CDC: ”Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine,” ”Pneumococcal Disease In-Short,” ”Hepatitis A In-Short,” ”Hepatitis B In-Short,” ”HPV Vaccine – Questions & Answers,” ”Meningococcal: Who Needs to be Vaccinated?” ”Shingles Vaccination: What You Need to Know,” ”Varicella Vaccine Q& A.”
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: ”Updated Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2010,” ”Adult Immunization Schedules, United States, 2013.”
Immunization Action Coalition: ”Vaccinations for Adults.”
CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
News release, FDA.
Immunization Action Coalition: ”Vaccinations for Adults.”
CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Your Record Of Protection
After any immunization, make sure your personal immunization record is updated. If your child is attending child care or school, inform your local public health unit each time your child receives an immunization. An immunization record is required for child care and school attendance and for certain types of travel and work, so keep it in a safe place.
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What Do You Suggest Expecting Parents Do If Family Members Are Hesitantor Outright Refuseto Get Vaccinated
I personally take a strong stanceif a family member is not willing to get vaccinated, I dont let them near my children until my kids have been adequately vaccinated and are a bit older .
The issue of vaccines should be brought up the same way that an expecting parent speaks to family members about other illnesses.
Just as you would ask them to wash their hands, check themselves for signs/symptoms of illness , anyone wanting to be close to a newborn should be willing to vaccinate themselves against infections that could seriously harm the baby.