Tdap Vaccine

Status

caution Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 · Confidence: high

Reason

Pregnancy use is recommended and generally reassuring, but timing should be guided by your OB/GYN or prescriber.

Drug Information

Brand Name
Tdap vaccine
Generic Name
tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, acellular pertussis vaccine
Drug Class
vaccine; inactivated toxoid/acellular pertussis vaccine
FDA Category
N/A (PLLR narrative label)
Rx Status
prescription

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit. Official guidance is 1 dose during each pregnancy.

Effects

Pregnancy
CDC and ACOG say it can be given during pregnancy, best at 27-36 weeks, and sooner if needed for wound care or outbreak.
Mother
May cause local reactions, fever, or tiredness. CDC says it can be given during pregnancy.
Baby
May help protect the baby from pertussis through maternal antibodies. No official safety signal found by CDC.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester
Can be given if needed, but routine timing is usually later in pregnancy.
2nd Trimester
Can be given if needed; routine dose is still usually planned for the third trimester.
3rd Trimester
Preferred timing is early in 27-36 weeks for best infant protection.

Risk-Benefit Note

For vaccines, the main issue is timing and indication. CDC and ACOG recommend Tdap in each pregnancy because the benefit to infant protection outweighs known risks when used as directed.

Conditions & Warnings

  • Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
  • Pregnancy
  • If needed for wound care or pertussis outbreak, use timing may differ
  • Do not repeat later in the same pregnancy if already given earlier

Alternatives

  • Tdap vaccination of close caregivers before baby contact
  • Postpartum Tdap if not given during pregnancy
  • Ask your provider about timing if you recently had a tetanus-containing vaccine

References

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