Who Shouldnt Get A Diphtheria Vaccine
Some people should avoid or wait to get certain vaccines. For example, if you or your child has an illness, such as the flu, you will likely need to wait to get a vaccine.
If you are not a good candidate for a diphtheria vaccine, your healthcare provider will give you instructions and information about vaccination options. In general, people should talk to their healthcare provider if they have:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition where your immune system attacks your nerves.
- History of severe allergic reactions to diphtheria vaccines.
- History of severe pain, swelling or fever above 105 degrees Fahrenheit after a diphtheria vaccine.
- Seizures or other nervous system disorders.
- Severe allergies to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
Tdap And Pregnancyexpand All
- Im pregnant. Should I get a Tdap shot?
Yes. All pregnant women should get a Tdap shot between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, as early in that window as possible. The Tdap shot is a safe and effective way to protect you and your baby from serious illness and complications of pertussis.
- Is it safe to get the Tdap shot during pregnancy?
Yes. The shot is safe for pregnant women.
- I got a Tdap shot during a past pregnancy. Do I need to get the shot again during this pregnancy?
Yes. All pregnant women should get a Tdap shot during each pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Receiving the vaccine as early as possible during these weeks is best.
- I got a Tdap shot early in this pregnancy. Do I need another shot between 27 and 36 weeks?
No. A Tdap shot later in the same pregnancy is not necessary if you received the Tdap shot before the 27th week of your current pregnancy.
Who Should Not Get The Tdap Vaccine
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.
People who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome within 8 weeks of getting a tetanus vaccine, without another known cause being identified, should not get the Tdap vaccine. 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.
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What Is In The Tdap Vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration licensed the Tdap vaccine for use in adolescents and adults in 2005. It protects against three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis .
The FDA licenses several tetanus vaccine combinations. Here are the combinations and who is approved to receive them:
- Tdap: Pregnant people, adults, and kids over age 7
- DTaP: Children ages 6 weeks through 6 years
- DT: Children who can not receive the pertussis vaccine
- Td: As a booster shot for adults and children over age 7
What Are Tetanus Diphtheria And Pertussis

They are all very serious diseases for children, adolescents and adults. Tetanus : Bacteria in soil enter through a cut, creating an infection. Sufferers experiences painful tightening of muscles and may be unable to open mouth and swallow. Diphtheria: Highly contagious infection of respiratory tract. Leads to weakness, sore throat, swollen glands. Severe cases can affect the heart. Pertussis : Highly contagious infection of respiratory tract. Causes excessive coughing fits. Infants are most at risk for life-threatening complications.
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How Cdc Monitors Vaccine Safety
CDC and FDA monitor the safety of vaccines after they are approved or authorized. If a problem is found with a vaccine, CDC and FDA will inform health officials, health care providers, and the public.
CDC uses 3 systems to monitor vaccine safety:
- The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System : an early warning system, co-managed by CDC and FDA, to monitor for potential vaccine safety problems. Anyone can report possible vaccine side effects to VAERS.
- The Vaccine Safety Datalink : a collaboration between CDC and 9 health care organizations that conducts vaccine safety monitoring and research.
- The Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project: a partnership between CDC and several medical research centers that provides expert consultation and conducts clinical research on vaccine-associated health risks.
- Who Should Not Get VaccinatedSome people should not get certain vaccines or should wait before getting them. Read the CDC guidelines for each vaccine.
- Vaccine AbbreviationsCommon vaccine abbreviations and acronyms.
Iv3 Effectiveness Of Maternal Tdap Immunization During Pregnancy For Preventing Pertussis In Infants
All studies in which effectiveness of maternal immunization in pregnancy was estimated consistently showed high protection against pertussis in infants less than 3 months of age. The majority of studies identified through the literature review originated from the UK, in which a national maternal immunization program has been implemented since October 2012.Reference 38Reference 39Reference 40 In infants less than 2 months of age, vaccine effectiveness was estimated to be over 90%, with no death observed among infants whose mothers received Tdap prior to 36 weeks of pregnancy.
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Vi Research And Evaluation Priorities
Based on the experience of maternal influenza immunization in pregnancy, the large numbers needed to detect rare outcomes and the potential for maternal pertussis vaccination in pregnancy to affect overall pertussis control in the longer term, further research and evaluation is strongly recommended and should be funded as part of any new program. Research to address the following outstanding questions related to immunization in pregnancy is encouraged:
- further work on determining the long-term impact of maternal vaccination in pregnancy on vaccine effectiveness in children and adults
- surveillance on mother-infant dyads that have received vaccine
- safety and impact of repeated Tdap in subsequent pregnancies
- safety of immunization earlier in pregnancy
- optimal timing for Tdap administration, resulting in optimal transplacental antibody transfer and infant protection
- cost-effectiveness of maternal pertussis immunization during pregnancy in the Canadian context
- the impact of mothers’ own childhood primary immunization series with either whole cell versus acellular pertussis
- development of more effective infant pertussis vaccines.
Implementation research and evaluation is needed to identify the best settings for delivery of vaccine to optimize uptake and determine how to overcome any health care system barriers or acceptability barriers to achieving good coverage.
Iv1 Adult Pertussis Vaccine Preparations Authorized For Use In Canada
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Based on the available trial data at the time of authorisation, none of the adult vaccine formulations have been explicitly indicated for use in pregnancy. However, according to the current product monographs, none of the adult formulations authorized for use in Canada are contraindicated for use in pregnancy.
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Protecting Your Newbornexpand All
- Can newborns be vaccinated against pertussis?
No. Newborns cannot start their vaccine series against pertussis until they are 2 months old. This is because the vaccine does not work in the first few weeks of life. This is one reason why newborns are at a high risk of getting pertussis and becoming very ill.
- What else can I do to protect my newborn against pertussis?
Getting your Tdap shot during pregnancy is the most important step in protecting yourself and your baby against pertussis. It is also important that all family members and caregivers are up to date with their vaccines.
Adolescent family members or caregivers should get the Tdap vaccine at age 11 to 12. If adult family members or caregivers have never had the Tdap vaccine, they should get it at least 2 weeks before having contact with your baby. This makes a safety cocoon of vaccinated caregivers around your baby.
- Im breastfeeding my baby. Is it safe to get the Tdap shot?
Yes. The Tdap shot can be given safely to breastfeeding women if they did not get the Tdap shot during pregnancy and have never received the Tdap shot before. There may also be added benefit to your baby if you get the shot while breastfeeding.
What Are The Types Of Diphtheria Vaccines
Several vaccines protect people from diphtheria. All of these vaccines protect you from multiple diseases.
Babies and children under age 7 can get:
- DTaP vaccines protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis . Some DTaP vaccines also protect against other illnesses.
- DT vaccines protect against only diphtheria and tetanus.
Older children, teenagers and adults can get:
- Tdap vaccines protect from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
- Td vaccines protect from only tetanus and diphtheria, as adults are less likely than babies to get whooping cough. Adults need this booster every 10 years.
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How Could My Child Get Tetanus
Stepping on nails or other sharp objects is one way people are exposed to the bacteria that cause tetanus. These bacteria are in the environment and get into the body through breaks in the skin.
Tetanus is different from other vaccine-preventable diseases because it does not spread from person to person.
Tetanus bacteria are found in soil, dust, and manure. It gets into the body through breaks in the skin, including:
- Punctures, cuts, or sores on the skin
- Burns
Who Should Get Tdap/td Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Tdap vaccine for everyone starting at age 11 or 12 years with booster shots using Td vaccine through adulthood.
One dose of Tdap vaccine is recommended for:
- Kids aged 7 to 10 years who did not get all 5 doses of DTaP vaccine.
- Adolescents aged 11 to 18 years .
- Pregnant women need to get Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, even if they’ve been vaccinated before. This gives moms more time to develop immunity to protect their baby against whooping cough, and she will pass some protection on to the baby. The best time for pregnant women to get the vaccine is as early as possible between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation .
- Adults aged 19 years of age and older, especially anyone in close contact with babies less than 12 months of age. Grandparents Protect your loved ones against flu and whooping cough Other languages available
- Healthcare workers who have direct patient contact.
After a person receives a single dose of Tdap vaccine, Td vaccine is recommended as a booster shot every 10 years as an adult. Tdap vaccine can be given in place of Td vaccine for these booster shots if the provider doesn’t have Td vaccine in stock.
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Preparations Authorized For Use In Canada
Pertussis-containing vaccines
- ADACEL®, Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- ADACEL®-POLIO , Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- BOOSTRIX® , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- BOOSTRIX®-POLIO , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX®-IPV , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX®-IPV/Hib , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX hexaTM® , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- PEDIACEL® , Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- QUADRACEL® , Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
In Canada, pertussis vaccine is only available as an acellular preparation in a combination vaccine. The amount of acellular pertussis antigen present varies by product. Preparations containing higher concentrations of acellular pertussis antigen are administered for primary immunization of infants and young children less than 7 years of age and may be administered as a booster for children 4 years to less than 7 years of age. Preparations containing a lower concentration may also be administered as a booster dose to children 4 years to less than 7 years of age and are the recommended product for older children, adolescents and adults .
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 Table 1 Contents of Immunizing Agents Available in Canada in Part 1 for a list of all vaccines available for use in Canada and their contents.
Available Vaccines And Package Inserts
There are several different types of vaccines that can safety prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis:
- DTaP vaccine, which is given to children
- DT vaccine, which is given to children
- Tdap vaccine, which is given to adolescents and adults
- Td vaccine, which is given to adolescents and adults
Get CDCs official recommended immunization schedules, including catch-up schedules, for children, adolescents, and adults.
Manufacturer Package Inserts
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What Is The Tdap Vaccine Schedule
Children ages 7 and older who didnt receive a series of DTaP or DT vaccines should start or complete their vaccination series with Tdap. Preteens should get the Tdap vaccine to boost their immunity.
Adults whove never received the Tdap vaccine should get a dose of Tdap. People ages 7 and older should receive a Tdap vaccine booster shot every 10 years.
Tdap Vaccine And Pregnancy
Pertussis is on the rise and outbreaks are happening across the United States. On average, about 1,000 infants are hospitalized and typically between five and 15 infants die each year in the United States due to pertussis. Most of these deaths are among infants who are too young to be protected by the childhood pertussis vaccine series that starts when infants are 2 months old.
These first few months of life are when infants are at the greatest risk of contracting pertussis and having severe, potentially life-threatening complications from the infection. To help protect babies during this time when they are most vulnerable, women should get the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine during each pregnancy. A strong recommendation from you may be what most influences whether or not your patients newborn is protected against pertussis.
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A Note From Cleveland Clinic
Diphtheria vaccines protect children and adults from a disease called diphtheria. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that causes severe inflammation. It can lead to pneumonia, lung failure, paralysis and even death. Although diphtheria once was common in the United States, the diphtheria vaccine has made the condition rare in developed countries. Young children receive diphtheria vaccines as a series of five shots. After age 12, most people receive a diphtheria vaccine once every 10 years.
Possible Risks Of Dtap Immunization
The vaccine can cause mild side effects: fever mild crankiness tiredness loss of appetite and tenderness, redness, or swelling in the area where the shot was given.
Rarely, a child may have a seizure, a high fever, or uncontrollable crying after getting the vaccine. But these sorts of side effects are so rare that researchers question whether they’re even caused by the vaccine. Most kids have a few minor or no side effects.
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When Should Adults Be Vaccinated With Tdap
The CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine for all adults ages 19 and older who have never received the vaccine, especially:
- Health care workers who have direct contact with patients
- Caregivers of infants under 1 year old, including parents, grandparents, and babysitters
- Pregnant women in their third trimester , even if they have previously received Tdap vaccine this can protect a newborn from whooping cough in the first months of life.
- New mothers who have never received the Tdap
- People who travel to countries where pertussis is common
You may be given the Tdap vaccine if you have a severe cut or burn and have never received a dose before. Severe cuts or burns raise your risk for tetanus.
The Tdap vaccine can be given any time of the year. Only one shot is needed. It may be given with other vaccinations. Tdap can be given regardless of the interval since the last Td vaccine was given.
The Tdap vaccine can be used safely for those ages 65 and over, according to 2013 CDC recommendations.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated With Tdap

We can answer this oneuse the Vaccine Locator tool below to find a convenient doctors office or pharmacy where you can get vaccinated. It might be available in your doctors office or at your local pharmacy.
The information provided is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to replace your pharmacists or doctors medical advice or information from your plan about preferred pharmacies or doctors.
You may search by ZIP code. You may also narrow your search by Provider Type. Any information you provide is used solely to help you find a pharmacist or doctor. It will not be disclosed to third parties. Please note: This list is pulled from a publicly available nationwide database of pharmacies and doctors who have indicated their specialty. While it is updated regularly, this list may not have the latest provider information and results shown may not reflect all of the adult vaccine providers in your area.
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Vaccine Side Effects And Risks
Common side effects among adults include pain, redness and swelling where the needle was given headaches and low energy level. 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.
Who Should Get The Tdap
The vaccine is given as one dose to children at 4 to 6 years of age. This is a booster dose for children who were immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio at a younger age. The booster dose strengthens or boosts the immune system to give better protection against these diseases.
The vaccine is also provided free to older children and adults who need protection against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio. For more information see the following HealthLinkBC Files:
It is important to keep a record of all immunizations received.
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