Things you need to know about Tdap vaccine

Tdap vaccine can be considered as a combination booster shot. It is widely being used by people in all parts of the world in order to stay away from three diseases. Those three diseases include pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus. This vaccine can deliver enhanced protection to all above mentioned health conditions. Hence, people who want to stay   away from the above mentioned health conditions can definitely take a look at Tdap.

It is true that diphtheria and tetanus are rare health conditions found among people in United States. However, there is a high possibility for pertussis, or whooping cough to spread. Hence, you should never ignore the importance of Tdap.

Understanding Tdap vaccine

Tdap was first made available for the people back in 2005. However, it was only recommended for the adults and older children. Before the introduction of this vaccine, there want any specific pertussis booster shot for the individuals who are aged over six years. Tdap vaccine was able to fill in that gap. Hence, it became popular in all parts of the world quickly after the introduction.

From the 1940s, young children have been provided with vaccination for whopping cough. However, the protection provided for them went away after a short period of time. Due to this reason, the older children and adults came up with the need to protect themselves against the frustrating health condition. That’s where Tdap was introduced.

Before Tdap vaccine was introduced, a large number of infants became victims of the health condition. Grandparents, siblings and parents were the main source behind the above mentioned fact.  The introduction of this vaccine was in a position to fill in that gap in an efficient manner as well.

Most of the people tend to misunderstand Tdap vaccine for DTap vaccine. You need to keep in mind that these are two different vaccines. The DTap vaccine is given for the children and infants who are aged above two months. This vaccine is being provided in 5 doses.

Who should consider getting Tdap vaccine?

You should have a clear understanding about the individuals who need to go ahead and get the Tdap vaccine. Then you will be able to understand whether you need to get the vaccine and protect yourself against the three health conditions mentioned above or not.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Protection, all adults are encouraged to go ahead and get the Tdap vaccine. You will not have to experience any side effects with this vaccine. Instead, you will be provided with the ability to stay away from three diseases.

Some people have never received the Tdap vaccine in their lives. You can brainstorm and see whether you received this vaccine in your life or not. If you cannot remember, it is possible for you to get in touch with your parents and ask about it. The Tdap vaccine is usually provided for individuals with intervals of 10 years.

There are instances, where you will have to interact with an infant aged less than 12 months. In such instances, you must go ahead and get the Tdap vaccine for yourself.  Tdap is highly recommended for the pregnant women as well. You will need to get this vaccine before you hold the newborn. To make sure that you don’t come across any frustration, you will have to think about getting the Tdap vaccine about two weeks before your delivery. Women are also encouraged to get the Tdap booster vaccine along with each pregnancy.

You should also keep in mind that Tdap vaccine is not recommended for some of the individuals. Hence, you need to understand who those individuals are. If you have experienced life-threatening allergic reactions to the vaccines that contain pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus, you should not get Tdap. On the other hand, individuals who experienced an overdose of Tdap are not encouraged to get this vaccine as well. You can get in touch with a reputed doctor and see whether it is safe for you to get the vaccine or not. The doctor will make sure that you are safe to go for the vaccine. Upon the confirmation of the doctor, you can go ahead and get the vaccine.

Are there any side effects?

It is also important to know whether any harmful side effects are linked with Tdap or not. That’s because all vaccines usually come with their own side effects. However, Tdap vaccine is not linked with any major side effects. You will only have to experience minor side effects, which will go away after a short period of time.

The minor side effects that you will have to experience include swelling of the arm, fever, vomiting, nausea, headache, and diarrhea, body aches, and tiredness, redness in the area and mild pain in the area. However, there are rare chances, where these conditions can become severe. If you experience any such severe health conditions after the Tdap vaccine, you can go ahead and get in touch with your family doctor. Then you will be subjected towards appropriate treatments.

Sources:

  1. cdc.gov
  2. google scholar
  3. Academic search complete