Tdap Vaccine in Pregnancy

Anna, nurse practitioner at the Homewood office, explains Tdap vaccine in pregnancy. At After Ours, we want to make sure our patients are educated on exactly what they need during their pregnancy.

What is Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis)?

Tdap is a vaccine that protects against three serious diseases:

Whooping cough(pertussis) is a highly contagious disease that causes sever coughing. Newborns and babies are at high risk of severe whooping cough, which can be life-threatening.

Tetanus bacteria can enter the body through a break in the skin.

Diphtheria can restrict breathing and cause death

ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist) recommends all pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine during EACH pregnancy. The vaccine helps your body make antibodies to protect you from disease. These antibodies pass to your fetus and can protect your newborn until he or she can get the Tdap vaccine at 2 months old. It is also recommended that all family members who will be in close contact with your baby to get the vaccine. If they have not been vaccinated or its been greater than 10yrs, they should get a single dose of Tdap at least 2 weeks before babies arrival.