Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy

The Tdap Vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy ideally between 27 to 32 weeks.

This protects your baby from a potentially dangerous infection called pertussis (whooping cough). Talk to your care provider to find out how you can get your vaccine.

What Is the Tdap Vaccine?

The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Vaccination in pregnancy allows transfer of protective antibodies to your newborn which provides protection until they can receive their first vaccines.

What Is Pertussis & How Serious Is It?

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a very contagious infection of the lungs and airways, caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.

Your baby can experience symptoms, which can last for several weeks or even months:

• Coughing fits
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting,

Severe complications for babies can include:

• Pneumoni
• Seizures
• Brain damage
• Death

How Common Is Pertussis?

The number of whooping cough cases in Canada have been declining since the pertussis vaccine became available. Unfortunately, pertussis outbreaks are sporadic and difficult to predict. There have been recent increases in cases across Canada. 70% of hospital admissions for whooping cough occurred in infants younger than 4 months, and almost all deaths were in infants younger than 2 months.

The most vulnerable babies are those who are too young to be vaccinated and don’t have passive immunity from you receiving the Tdap vaccine in pregnancy.

When Should I Get the Tdap Vaccine?

All pregnant people ideally get the Tdap vaccine between 27 – 32 weeks gestational age.

Your body needs time to create protective antibodies and pass them to your baby before birth. Tdap antibodies decrease over time, so it is recommended that you get the vaccine each time you are pregnant and even if you were not vaccinated in a previous pregnancy.

Important Note:

Everyone in contact with the baby should get the Tdap vaccine including partners, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers.

What Are the Risks?

The Tdap vaccine is very safe and has been a recommended part of prenatal care for many years.

Side effects:

• Most common
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Tenderness
• Less common
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

Can I Still Get the Flu and Covid Vaccines?

Yes! There is no required delay between Tdap and the COVID-19 or influenza vaccines.