DTaP (Tdap) Vaccination
Whooping cough (pertussis) is highly infectious and can be dangerous for very young babies, who aren’t old enough to be vaccinated themselves. The DTaP/Tdap vaccine, given during pregnancy, is one of the most effective ways to protect your newborn before they can be vaccinated directly.
Understanding DTaP/Tdap
DTaP and Tdap both protect against the same three diseases — tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) — with DTaP typically referring to the childhood vaccine series and Tdap the adult/adolescent booster formulation. For adults, a Tdap booster is generally recommended once every 10 years.
Pertussis is a particular concern for newborns, who are most vulnerable to severe complications — including breathing difficulties — in their first few months of life, before they have completed their own vaccination series. Because the antibodies you develop after vaccination pass to your baby during pregnancy, getting a Tdap dose between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy gives your newborn a head start on protection during their most vulnerable window, even if you were vaccinated before.
How Eden Women's Health Can Help
Pregnancy-timed vaccination
Guidance on the optimal window to maximise antibody transfer to your baby, as part of your prenatal care.
Vaccination history review
Checking when you last had a Tdap booster and whether you are due, pregnant or not.
Every-pregnancy protection
Since protection is for your baby in that specific pregnancy, we will recommend a dose in each pregnancy regardless of previous vaccination.
Clear explanation of the "why"
Helping you understand this isn’t routine box-ticking — it is one of the more directly protective things you can do for your newborn’s first months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy?
Between 27 and 36 weeks is the recommended window, timed to maximise the antibodies passed to your baby before birth.
I had a Tdap booster a few years ago — do I need it again for this pregnancy?
Yes. Since the goal is protecting your baby in this specific pregnancy through antibody transfer, a dose is recommended in each pregnancy, even if you are not yet due for your general 10-year booster.
Is the DTaP/Tdap vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Yes, it is one of the three vaccines routinely recommended during pregnancy (alongside Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and is usually given from 20 weeks though the 27–36 week window is optimal.
Why does my newborn need me to be vaccinated rather than being vaccinated themselves?
Babies cannot start their own DTaP vaccination series until 2 months of age, leaving a vulnerable window in early infancy — the antibodies you pass on during pregnancy help protect them until then.
Do non-pregnant adults need this vaccine too?
Yes — a Tdap/DTaP booster is generally recommended once every 10 years for all adults, regardless of pregnancy plans.
Schedule An Appointment
Protecting your newborn can start before they are even born. Talk to us about the right timing for your Tdap vaccination.