The Tdap vaccine is routinely given to adolescents, but did you know that pregnant women should also get the Tdap vaccine to help protect their newborn babies against pertussis? TDAP stands for Tetnus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis. These are very serious diseases. The Tdap vaccine can protect us from all three of these. Tetnus, also called lockjaw, is a very rare but serious disease. It can cause muscle tightening and stiffness throughout the body. It kills 1 in 10 people who get the disease. Pertussis is commonly known as the Whooping Cough. It can cause difficulty breathing and is especially dangerous in newborns. Diphtheria causes a thick coating to form in the back of the throat. It can lead to trouble breathing, heart failure, or even death.
The reported cases of tetnus and diphtheria have dropped 99%. Pertussis has seen a drop by about 80% since the vaccine was introduced. Pregnant women should also get the vaccine to help protect their newborn babies against pertussis.
The Tdap Vaccine is routinely given to adolescents ages 11-12. About 90% of Kansas teens have received the Tdap Vaccine.
Immunize Kansas Coalition
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html