Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine

Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Teens and adults should get Tdap vaccine in order to:

Help protect themselves against whooping cough and prevent the spread of disease to others.
Help protect babies from whooping cough. Babies have the highest risk of serious illness from whooping cough. Anyone in close contact with a baby, including parents, siblings, child care providers, grandparents, and healthcare workers, should get a single dose of Tdap vaccine.

One dose of Tdap vaccine is recommended for:

Kids aged 7 to 10 years who are not fully vaccinated against pertussis.
Adolescents aged 11 to 18 years (preferably at 11 or 12 years of age).
Pregnant women. Vaccine recommendations for pregnant women now say they should get Tdap vaccine after 20 weeks' gestation instead of waiting until after delivery. This gives moms more time to develop immunity to protect their baby against whooping cough.
Adults aged 19 to 64 years.
Adults aged 65 and older who have or expect to have close contact with babies less than 12 months of age.
Anyone who takes care of babies less than 12 months of age, like healthcare workers and child care providers.