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Are you expecting a new addition to your family soon? We protect newborn babies from infectious diseases. One such group of diseases is Diphtheria, and Pertussis or whooping cough. One of the best ways to do this is by getting the Tdap vaccine near you.
Tdap vaccination includes three vaccines against three diseases. Each component of this combination vaccination helps boost the immune response towards the other component of the vaccine. Tdap vaccine does not have mercury as a preservative.
The Tdap vaccine is a critical component in preventing pertussis transmission, especially when grandparents visit their newborn grandchildren. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has immunization schedules for all age groups on their website. The CDC recommends that adults receive a tetanus booster (Tdap or Td) every ten years to stimulate their immune systems.
Let’s discuss the importance of the Tdap vaccine and how you can find a vaccination location near you. We will also answer some commonly asked questions about this life-saving vaccination. We will also address the tetanus vaccine since it gets confusing given the combination of vaccine choices out there.
Why is the Tdap Vaccine Important for Grandparents?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be life-threatening for newborns and infants. Vaccines work by triggering immune responses to a specific pathogen without causing the disease. As a grandparent, getting the Tdap vaccine is an essential step to protect your precious grandchild from this dangerous illness.
Here are some reasons why the vaccine is crucial for grandparents:
- Immunity Wanes Over Time: You were most likely vaccinated against pertussis as a child. However, your immunity might have weakened over the years. The Tdap vaccine helps boost your immunity, reducing the chances of you catching and transmitting the infection to your grandchild.
- Severe Complications for Newborns: Infants under six months of age are at the highest risk of severe complications from pertussis. Newborns and infants when they get whooping cough can progress to pneumonia, seizures, and even death. For accurate disease control and prevention, it is essential to follow vaccination schedules and guidelines. By getting the Tdap vaccine, you can help prevent the spread of this dangerous disease to your grandchild.
- Cocooning Strategy: The concept of “cocooning” involves vaccinating everyone who will be in close contact with a newborn, including grandparents. This strategy helps create a protective barrier around the baby, reducing the risk of exposure to pertussis.
Five main types of FDA-approved pertussis vaccinations for children and adults available in the US
Here is a table summarizing the differences between the types of pertussis vaccines:
| Vaccine | Type | Route of administration | Number of doses | Age range | Effectiveness |
| DTaP | Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whole cell) | Intramuscular | 4 doses, at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 4-6 years of age | Birth to 6 years old | 80-90% |
| DTaP-IPV | Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated polio | Intramuscular | 4 doses, at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 4-6 years of age | Birth to 6 years old | 80-90% |
| Tdap | Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis | Intramuscular | 1 dose, followed by a booster dose at 10-16 years of age and every 10 years thereafter | 71-94% | |
| Pediarix | DTaP-IPV-Hib | Intramuscular | 4 doses, at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 4-6 years of age | Birth to 6 years old | 80-90% |
| Boostrix | Tdap | Intramuscular | 1 dose, followed by a booster dose every 10 years thereafter | 71-94% |
Note: The effectiveness of pertussis vaccines may vary depending on the type of vaccine used and the age of the person being vaccinated.
Here are some additional information about the different types of pertussis vaccines:
DTaP is a combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whole cell). It is the most common type of pertussis vaccine given to children.
DTaP-IPV is a combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated polio. It is not as common as DTaP, but it may be an option for children who are at risk of polio.
Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. It is the recommended booster vaccine for adults.
Pediarix is a combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It is not as common as DTaP or Tdap, but it may be an option for children who are at risk of Hib.
Boostrix is a Tdap vaccine that is the same as Tdap, but it is given as a single-dose injection. It is not as common as Tdap, but it may be an option for adults who are unable to receive multiple injections.
3 main types of FDA-approved tetanus vaccinations for children and adults available in the US
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between the types of tetanus vaccines:
| Vaccine | Type | Route of administration | Number of doses | Age range | Effectiveness |
| DTaP | Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) | Intramuscular | 4 doses, at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 4-6 years of age | Birth to 6 years old | 95% |
| Tdap | Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) | Intramuscular | 1 dose, followed by a booster dose at 10-16 years of age and every 10 years thereafter | 71-94% | |
| Td | Tetanus and diphtheria | Intramuscular | 1 dose, followed by a booster dose every 10 years thereafter | 65-80% |
Note: The effectiveness of tetanus vaccines may vary depending on the type of vaccine used and the age of the person being vaccinated.
Here are some additional information about the different types of tetanus vaccines:
DTaP is a combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It is the most common type of tetanus vaccine given to children.
Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It is the recommended booster vaccine for adults.
Td is a vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria. It is the recommended booster vaccine for adults who have already received DTaP or Tdap.
Commonly Asked Questions About Tdap Vaccination
What is the Tdap vaccine, and what does it protect against in grandparents?
The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three bacterial infections: tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). We administer this vaccine as a single injection in the muscle. This intra-muscular (IM) injection helps boost your immunity against these three infections – diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.
Who should get the Tdap vaccine and at what age for visiting my newborn?
Adults, especially those who are in close contact with infants younger than 12 months, should receive the Tdap vaccine. This includes grandparents, parents, siblings, and caregivers. Pregnant women should get the vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably between the 27th and 36th week. This booster dose stimulates the immune response and helps protect their neonates from pertussis.
How often do I need the Tdap vaccine and what is the CDC recommendation?
Adults should receive a single dose of the Tdap vaccine if they have not previously received it. After completing a primary vaccination series, a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster is sufficient for all adults. The CDC recommends family physicians and internists give adult individuals a Td booster shot every ten years. Pregnant women should get the vaccine during each pregnancy, as mentioned earlier.
Are there any side effects associated with the Tdap vaccine?
Like any vaccine, the Tdap vaccine may cause side effects. However, most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common side effects include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, mild fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Serious side effects are rare, but if you experience difficulty breathing, severe weakness, or an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
Can pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine or is it only a vaccination for children?
Yes, pregnant women can get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. This helps protect the baby from pertussis during the first few months of life when they are most vulnerable. The vaccine also provides some passive immunity to the newborn through the transfer of maternal antibodies.
Is the Tdap vaccine covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover the Tdap vaccine as a preventive service, often with no out-of-pocket cost. However, coverage may vary depending on your specific insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage before scheduling your vaccination appointment.
Tdap vaccination is part of childhood immunization programs with a use in adulthood. You can find the Tdap vaccine at family doctors’ offices and pediatrician offices. Obstetricians and Gynecologists may also keep this as they provide long-term health care to women.
Conclusion
As a grandparent, getting the Tdap vaccine is a crucial step in safeguarding your newborn grandchild’s health. Protecting yourself and others from pertussis is not only a personal responsibility but also a community effort.
By searching “Tdap vaccine near me” and scheduling your vaccination appointment with Nao Medical, you can get your Tdap vaccine today. At NaoMedical you don’t need an appointment, so you can come and get your booster tetanus vaccine now! The herd immunity against whooping cough helps create a safer environment for your family and loved ones.
If you’re out of state, don’t wait any longer – search and find a Tdap vaccine provider near you. And get the vaccine so you can protect your newborn grandchild from the dangers of whooping cough.
Additional Resources for Tdap Vaccination
- NaoMedical blogs have more information on the Tdap vaccine and how it can help protect your newborn grandchild from whooping cough.
- NaoMedical staff can help you make informed decisions about other vaccinations as well.
- NaoMedical keeps all FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines, Moderna, and Pfizer-BionTech mRNA vaccines as well.
- Nao Medical Blog: We have informative articles on the Tdap vaccine, pertussis prevention, coronavirus infections, and more. You can subscribe to the blogs to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in vaccination and family health.
- Vaccine Information Statements (VIS): Clinical trials are an essential step in the vaccine development process, ensuring safety and effectiveness. The CDC-provided sheets offer detailed information on the Tdap vaccine. This includes benefits, potential side effects, and recommendations for different age groups about Tdap, DT, Td and DPT immunizations.
