Did you know the Tdap vaccine is designed to reduce the risk of three potentially deadly diseases – tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)?
The Tdap vaccine protects against three bacterial infections with potentially serious health effects. The vaccine has significantly impacted public health, nearly eliminating diphtheria and tetanus, especially in children.
This article will review the benefits, indications, and safety profile of the Tdap vaccine.
[signup]
Understanding the Tdap Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine has three different components. It contains tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis.
These components elicit an immune response, so if you are exposed to the bacteria, your body will recognize it and be better able to fight off infection.
Tetanus
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is an infection caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria. This spore-forming bacteria is frequently found in the environment and is resistant to heat and many antiseptic washes.
Tetanus can cause muscle spasms, including the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth. Additionally, it can cause fevers, headaches, seizures, and potentially death.
Tetanus is a medical emergency, and anyone suspecting that they have been exposed to it should seek immediate medical care.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is another bacterial infection affecting the mouth and nose. Two to five days after exposure to diphtheria, infected people may develop a thick gray coating on the throat, voice changes, sore throat, swollen glands, trouble breathing, fevers and chills, and fatigue.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the bacteria that cause diphtheria, is spread through airborne droplets or contaminated personal items. Diphtheria can cause breathing problems, damage to the heart, and nerve damage. It has a fatality rate of 5-10%.
Pertussis
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. This infection presents with fever, a runny nose, and a hacking cough, after which a whooping sound may follow.
The symptoms begin seven to ten days after infection, and infected people are contagious for up to 3 weeks after symptoms start. The cough associated with whooping cough may last up to 2 months after infection.
Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, hernias, seizures, and even brain damage. It is most severe in infants.
All three bacterial infections used to cause significant morbidity and mortality in the United States, but the vaccine has significantly reduced the burden of these diseases. Consult your healthcare provider for vaccination recommendations.
History and Development of the Vaccine
Vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are some of the oldest human vaccines.
The vaccine was first combined in 1943, but the pertussis component of the vaccine was first licensed in 1914, the diphtheria toxoid was licensed in 1926, and the tetanus toxoid vaccine in 1937.
Initially, the pertussis component of the vaccine was a whole-cell version. Still, in the 1980s, the acellular pertussis antigen was released, and over time, it has replaced the whole-cell version.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first Tdap vaccine in 1992. The introduction of the vaccine has led to a substantial decline in cases and the near eradication of tetanus and diphtheria in children in the US.
Who Should Get the Tdap Vaccine?
The Tdap vaccine is approved for people age 7 and older. Children under age 7 receive the DTaP vaccine. Adolescents age 11 or 12 should get the Tdap vaccine as a booster.
Adults should receive either an initial vaccine if they haven't already received one or, if they have, a booster every 10 years. If you are injured (severe or dirty wound or burn), you should receive a booster if you haven't had one in 5 years.
Recommended Groups
Children under age 7 should receive the DTaP vaccine. It is given in a series at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. It can be administered by itself or as part of a combination vaccine.
Additionally, the Tdap vaccine is recommended for pregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Nurse-Midwives all support the recommendation of pregnant women to protect their babies.
Vaccinating pregnant women with the Tdap vaccine during the 27th to 36th week of pregnancy can decrease the likelihood of pertussis in an infant younger than 2 months by almost 80%.
Adults and seniors, especially those working with vulnerable populations, should follow the recommendations listed above to protect themselves and their populations.
Special Cases and Exemptions
There are some cases where the Tdap vaccine should not be used. For example, people with an allergy to any component of the vaccine should not get the vaccine.
Additionally, people who have had a coma or seizures within 7 days of having previously received the vaccine should consult their healthcare provider before considering vaccination, as should those with seizure disorders, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or severe swelling after vaccination.
Immunocompromised people should get the Tdap vaccine on the regularly recommended schedule after discussion with their healthcare provider.
Benefits of the Tdap Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine has had significant health benefits both on an individual and a population level.
Health Benefits
The Tdap vaccine offers significant protection against tetanus and diphtheria. The pertussis component of the vaccine protects for several years but starts to decrease over time.
Vaccination with Tdap, especially in pregnant women, helps to protect the population that is at the highest risk of severe infection: infants.
Vaccination, especially pertussis, decreases the rates of transmission of whooping cough in the community.
Broader Impacts
Routine vaccination with the Tdap vaccine (and other vaccines) can help develop herd immunity.
Herd immunity helps protect people who cannot be immunized because it is more difficult for the disease to be transmitted if the majority of people cannot be infected.
Herd immunity has not been achieved against pertussis, and the nature of tetanus infection means that herd immunity is not possible for infection. However, herd immunity for diphtheria occurs when around 75-80% of the population is vaccinated.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis infections are associated with significant economic burden. The Tdap vaccination program is estimated to save over $23 billion and prevent 28,000 deaths.
Understanding Side Effects and Safety
Vaccines save lives, but they are also associated with potential side effects.
Common Side Effects
The common side effects associated with the Tdap vaccine include:
- Injection site redness, swelling, or pain
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Serious Risks and How Rare They Are
Serious risks associated with the Tdap vaccine include:
- High fever
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Severe side effects are rare, occurring in about 1 in 10,000 people. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Post-Vaccination Care
The common side effects of the Tdap vaccine can be treated with symptomatic management. Pain relievers and fever reducers may improve symptoms. Rest, fluids, and antidiarrheals can be used as necessary.
Severe side effects of the Tdap warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Tdap vaccine.
Can the Tdap Vaccine Be Administered with Other Vaccines?
Yes, the Tdap vaccine can be administered with other vaccines.
How Long Does the Protection Last?
According to a study in Pediatrics, protection against pertussis may only last 2-3 years after vaccination. Protection against tetanus is 5-10 years, and diphtheria vaccination protection is around 10 years.
Why is the Vaccine Essential During Pregnancy?
Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is essential as it protects against pertussis for infants before they are old enough to be vaccinated.
[signup]
Key Takeaways
- Tdap vaccination is recommended at least every 10 years in people over 7 years.
- People under 7 years should get the DTaP vaccine according to a recommended schedule starting at 2 months.
- Vaccination is recommended in every pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks to protect the infant from birth to age 2 months.
- Severe vaccine reactions are extremely rare.
- The Tdap vaccine protects individuals and public health against three potentially life-threatening illnesses: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
- Consult your healthcare provider about the Tdap vaccine today.
%201.svg){kind=logo}
