Tdap is different than the DTaP vaccine diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough , which is given to infants and children in five doses, starting at 2 months of age. Tdap is only for those above age 7.
The bacteria are usually found in soil, dust, and manure and enter the body through breaks in the skin. Tetanus is often referred to as lockjaw because tightening of the jaw muscles is one of the most common signs of this infection. Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including an inability to open your mouth and difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Today, tetanus is uncommon in the United States, with an average of about 30 reported cases each year. Diphtheria is caused by strains of bacteria that are typically transmitted through respiratory droplets, coughing, or sneezing. People can also contract diphtheria from contact with open sores or ulcers containing the bacteria. The Tdap vaccine protects against whooping cough, which can be debilitating and last for months.
It can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe or consume food or drinks. Tdap also helps protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated against whooping cough. Parents, siblings, and grandparents are often the source of whooping cough in infants.
Young children have been vaccinated against whooping cough since the s. But protection against the disease naturally wears off over time, so booster vaccines can help keep up immunity.
To stay up to date, contact a healthcare professional to set up routine reviews of vaccine history for you and your child. Every vaccine comes with a chance of side effects, and the Tdap vaccine is no exception. Fortunately, reported side effects with Tdap are generally mild and go away on their own. If you notice any of these severe symptoms after receiving the Tdap vaccine, seek medical attention.
The cost of the vaccine is covered under most private insurance plans. For example, sometimes it is not clear what vaccines a child may have gotten in the past.
In that case, vaccinating the child to make sure he or she is fully protected far outweighs any risk of side effects. Your son may have experienced redness, swelling, or soreness after these extra shots. But, children who get extra doses of any vaccine are, for the most part, at no extra risk than children who follow the regular schedule.
All in all, the end result should only be more of a boost to his immune system. Extra doses really are "extra" doses. They do not count as part of the regular schedule. Your son is likely to still need the next doses of these same vaccines given at their usual times. Will vitamins, herbs, or probiotics help your immune system fight off disease? What about diet and exercise? If you have concerns please speak with your immunization provider.
Keep a record of what immunizations you have received. You will be due for a booster of Td in 10 years. An exception to this is during pregnancy. It is recommended that all pregnant people get a pertussis vaccine in every pregnancy. Read more here. Browse by topic Adults Chickenpox vaccines Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines General immunization Hepatitis A vaccine Hepatitis B vaccine
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