Tdap

Why should my child receive the Tdap vaccine?

· Your child must have received D-T-P containing vaccines at 6, 10, 14 weeks and boosters at 16-18 months and 4-6 years. However, the protection conferred by this vaccine starts reducing after the last dose at 4-6 years. Cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) and diphtheria are increasing among adolescents and young adults. Hence, there is a need for a booster dose of the D-T-P vaccine at 10-12 years.

· Since full dose DPT cannot be given after the age of 7 years (because of risk of more side effects), we can only give a vaccine that contains reduced dose pertussis and diphtheria components along with full dose tetanus, i.e., Tdap vaccine.

Which are the vaccines available, and what is their schedule?

· Tdap should be used only for children 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults.

· One dose of Tdap should be given at the age of 10 to 12 years. People who did not get Tdap at that age should get it as soon as possible.

· Tdap is especially important for anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months of age.

· Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.

· A similar vaccine, called Td, protects from tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis. A Td booster should be given every 10 years.

· Tdap may be given at the same time as other vaccines

How safe is this vaccine?

The vaccine is safe. Pain, redness, or swelling at the site of administration, mild fever, headache, may be experienced after receiving this vaccine.

When should your child not receive this vaccine?

i) If your child has had any severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of any D-T-P vaccine or has a known allergy to any component of the vaccine. I

i) If your child has had a coma, decreased level of consciousness, or prolonged fits within 7 days after a previous dose of any pertussis vaccine (DTP, DTaP, or Tdap)

The national immunization schedule (NIS) of the Government of India provides Td in place of Tdap at the age of 10-12 years to all children. The NIS also recommends Td vaccine during pregnancy.