Diseases it protects from

• tetanus
• diphtheria
• pertussis (whooping cough)

Who should get this vaccine

Grade 9 students can get the Tdap vaccine as part of the school immunization program. Younger children may also get this vaccine if they are at least age 7 years and:

• They are not up to date with their tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis immunizations.
• They cut or poke themselves with something dirty.

If you are an adult, you should have this vaccine if:

• You have never been immunized for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• It has been 10 years since your last dose.
• You cut or poke yourself with something dirty (depending on when your last dose was).
• You will be in close contact with a baby and you have never had a dose of pertussis vaccine as an adult.
• You are pregnant (even if it has been less than 10 years since your last dose).
• You are a healthcare worker or healthcare student, and you did not have a dose of pertussis vaccine at age 18 years or older.

The Tdap vaccine was previously called the dTap vaccine.

Pregnancy

In Alberta, the Tdap vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy. It helps protect your baby during the first few months of life, especially against pertussis. It is best if you get the Tdap vaccine when you are between 27 and 32 weeks pregnant. If you are outside of this time, talk to your healthcare provider because you may also get this vaccine earlier or later in your pregnancy.

Who may not be able to get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

• You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have.
• You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If either of these apply, check with your healthcare provider before you get the vaccine.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

If you had your routine immunizations on schedule, you need an extra dose (booster) of Tdap at the following times:

• in Grade 9 (If your child already had a dose when they were at least age 12 years, they do not need a dose in Grade 9.)
• every 10 years as an adult
• during each pregnancy
• at age 18 years or older if you are a healthcare worker or healthcare student who has not had a dose of pertussis vaccine, regardless of when you had your last dose of Td or Tdap vaccine

If you are getting immunized for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis for the first time, you need 3 doses.

Get the vaccine

Grade 9 students can get the vaccine in school. Parents and guardians will get an information package that includes a consent form. If you want your child to get the vaccine in school, you must complete and sign the consent form and return it according to the instructions provided. Learn more about school immunization.

Children and adults can also get the Tdap vaccine at a your local public health or community health centre.

If you are pregnant, you can also get the Tdap vaccine at a pharmacy. Some doctor’s offices also give the vaccine.

If you are at risk for tetanus after an injury or wound, you can get the Tdap vaccine at an urgent care centre, emergency department, doctor’s office, or walk-in clinic.

How well it works

If you are healthy and get all recommended doses, the protection is:

• almost 100% for tetanus and diphtheria
• around 90% for pertussis

It is important to get booster doses because the protection may weaken over time.