Alberta Health Services
Health Information
Grade 9 students can get the dTap vaccine as part of the school immunization program. Younger children may also get this vaccine if they are at least age 7 years and:
If you are an adult, you should have this vaccine if:
In Alberta, the dTap 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 dTap 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.
You may not be able to get this vaccine if:
If you have allergies or have had a side effect from this vaccine, check with your doctor or a public health nurse 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.
If you had your routine immunizations on schedule, you need an extra dose (booster) of dTap at the following times:
If you are getting immunized for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis for the first time, you need 3 doses.
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 dTap vaccine at a your local public health or community health centre.
If you are pregnant, you can also get the dTap 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 dTap vaccine at an urgent care centre, emergency department, doctor’s office, or walk-in clinic.
If you are healthy and get all of the recommended doses, the protection is:
It is important to get booster doses because the protection may weaken over time.
Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.
There can be side effects from the dTap vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:
At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.
It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.
It is rare to have a serious side effect after a vaccine. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.
There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.
