What’s the difference between the Td, DTaP and Tdap vaccine?

Td: This vaccine booster helps protect against 2 diseases—tetanus and diphtheria. The CDC recommends tetanus and diphtheria boosters for adults every 10 years.

DTaP: This is a type of combination vaccine series that protects young children from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. This series starts at infancy and is complete when the child is between the ages of 4 and 6.

Tdap: This is a type of vaccine that helps protect both adults and adolescents against 3 diseases—tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. If you have not received it already, a healthcare provider may replace your next Td vaccine with a Tdap.  A Tdap helps give you the added protection against pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough) that the Td shot does not provide. The CDC recommends a single dose of Tdap vaccine for most people ages 11 and older who have not previously received Tdap.

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if vaccination is right for you.
Aren’t vaccines just for children?

No. Children, beginning as infants and ending at age 4-6, receive a series of vaccines to help protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (DTaP). But immunity (protection) from whooping cough can start to fade 5 to 10 years after vaccination. The CDC recommends a single dose of Tdap vaccine for most people ages 11 and older who have not previously received Tdap. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if vaccination is right for you.
Why should adults and adolescents get a Tdap?

If you received a whooping cough vaccine as a child, that doesn’t mean you have lifetime immunity. Since childhood vaccines that help protect against whooping cough can fade over time, the CDC recommends a single dose of Tdap vaccine for most people ages 11 and older who have not previously received Tdap. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if vaccination is right for you.
If I received a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine, am I protected against whooping cough?

No. Td immunization only protects against tetanus and diphtheria. The only vaccine that can help protect both adults and adolescents against whooping cough is the Tdap vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if vaccination is right for you.
When should I get a Tdap?

If you're due for your regular tetanus shot (Td vaccine) and have not already gotten Tdap, your healthcare provider may recommend a single dose of Tdap. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if vaccination is right for you.
How is the Tdap vaccine given?

Tdap is given as a single dose into the upper arm.
Who should receive a Tdap vaccine?

The CDC recommends Tdap vaccination to replace one dose of Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine for most people ages 11 and older who have not previously received Tdap, especially:

  • People who live with or take care of infants less than 1 year of age
  • Women who might become pregnant*
  • New mothers before leaving the hospital*
  • Healthcare workers

Tdap vaccination may have side effects and may not be appropriate for all adults and adolescents, which is why it is important to talk to your healthcare provider.

*Tdap vaccines have not been studied in pregnant women or nursing mothers.

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