Tetanus, pertussis, and diphtheria are very serious diseases caused by bacteria. Tdap vaccine is a vaccine that protects adolescents and adults from these diseases. Here is all you need to know about the T-dap vaccine.

The word Tdap stands for Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids with acellular pertussis and is marketed under the brand names Boostrix and Adacel. It is made using dead bacteria meaning it is an inactive vaccine. At the age of either 11 or 12, one dose of the Tdap is given regularly. A Td booster should be given every 10 years to protect you against tetanus and diphtheria. However, if you did not get a Tdap before, it may be given to you as a booster. It may also be given to you in case you have a severe cut or burn in order to prevent a tetanus infection. When Tdap vaccine is given to pregnant women, it can protect the newborn babies against pertussis which causes severe coughing.

When should adults be vaccinated?

For those people who are 19 years and above and have never received the Tdap vaccine, it is advisable that they are given the vaccine especially the ones who:

-Are travelling to countries where pertussis is common.

-Are pregnant and in their third trimester.

-Caregivers including parents of infants under the age of one year.

-New mothers who have never been vaccinated.

Women are supposed to get the Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy since infants are at the most risk of pertussis.

Who should not get this vaccine?

Some of the people who should not get the vaccine include those who had:

-A life-threatening allergic reaction after you had taken a previous dose of tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis vaccine.

-A severe allergy to any part of this vaccine.

-A comma or long repeated seizures within the first seven days of a childhood dose of DTP or DTaP.

People who have experienced the following should talk to their doctors first before they get the vaccine:

-Guillain-Barre’ syndrome.

-A nervous system problem like epilepsy.

-If you are either moderately or severely ill.

-Have a history of severe pain or swelling after receiving a vaccine involving tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis.

What are the side effects and risks?

Vaccines have side effects just like any other medicines. The side effects may be mild or more intense depending on the person. Some of the mild side effects that may result from a Tdap vaccination include:

-Headache.

-Mild fever.

-Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given.

-Swollen glands, rashes.

-Fever.

-Muscle aches and pains.

-Chills, sore joints.

-Stomach upsets accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and vomiting.

What to do in case of any problems

Medical procedures like vaccination may result in fainting. If you feel that you are dizzy or have any vision changes, tell your doctor immediately. “Some people may get allergic reactions which may happen in the first few minutes or hours of the vaccination,” stated Mark at Platinum Care LA. Some of the signs of an allergic reaction include dizziness, hoarse voice, hives, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and behavioral changes. If you notice any of these signs after you have received either the TD or Tdap vaccine, you should seek immediate medical care.