A Tdap shot is given to adults and adolescents to treat three distinct health problems, but is known on the flip side for its side effects. Find out more about how it’s administered and how much this shot is worth.
Adacel and Boostrix, are the two known Tdap shots that are available in the market for the prevention of three conditions, namely diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. This is given to men, women, and children, especially when they are susceptible to these problems. It is a booster vaccine for the DTaP vaccine, which is given for the same cause, but is still a different vaccine all together.
It is recommended for those people who fall within the age gap of 11 to 64 years, and is given through an injection, with entry points targeting the thigh or arm regions. The Tdap shot is administered followed by the Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine to act as a subsequent booster. People who are using this to treat pertussis in particular, have to be up-to-date on their Tdap immunization.
Factors, like adults who’ve been closely situated next to infected infants, can take the Tdap vaccine two years after one has received the Td vaccine. Those who are in contact with patients suffering from these health issues are also given this shot as early as two years after they’ve received the Td vaccine first, although they should be given it sooner than 2 years for being exposed to patients on such a regular basis. Mothers who’ve never taken the Tdap shot are usually given Td as a more preferred vaccine during this time.
Are Tdap Shots Safe for All?
Not everyone can openly take the vaccine without proper consultation with a health care professional. You need to keep certain things in mind before taking the Tdap shot after being given the DTaP vaccine.
- Have you been in a coma or experienced a seizure seven days after the DTaP vaccine?
- Does your child suffer from Guillian-Barre syndrome?
- Does your child have severe allergic reactions to latex?
- Any pain or swelling caused after the vaccine?
- Has the child experienced a nervous system problem or suffered from epilepsy?
- Experienced severe side effects after taking the DTaP vaccine?
Tdap Shot Side Effects
There are certain side effects that come into play after one receives the Tdap vaccine, which we will closely look into.
- Behavioral alterations
- Arm swelling that is severe in nature
- Itching sensation
- High fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Tingling, feeling weak, or paralysis
- Vomiting
- Mouth/throat starts to swell
- Wheezing
- Rash
- Chills
- Hives
- Diarrhea
- Skin entry point where injection was inserted is sore
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Redness around injected area
Tdap Shot and Pregnancy
A booster dose is necessary for pregnant women who haven’t taken a Td vaccination in the last 10 years. It is important to protect the mother from neonatal and maternal tetanus, therefore three vaccinations are given containing diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, over a span of four weeks, and then a dose of Tdap in six months. It is important to seek medical assistance before deciding how and when to take these.
Taking the Tdap shot can protect the baby from having pertussis, which is provided ideally to the mother in her third trimester. Health providers will advise and discuss concerns and ways on how to go about these shots; make sure you go to a trusted clinic to get these administered. There is pain involved when taking this shot which is normal, and is considered a minor side effect after the injection is given to the patient. A Tdap shot costs approx. USD 67 in a walk-in clinic, and is available for approx. USD 30 in a physician’s office.
The Tdap shot poses a dicey choice for a vaccination, nonetheless, it is necessary in extreme health cases. Tdap shots for children should be approached with utmost caution, with them being under strict monitoring after it’s been given.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
