Tdap Vaccine

The Tdap vaccine is an immunization that protects against three serious bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight these bacteria if encountered. Tetanus can cause severe muscle stiffness and lockjaw, diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, and pertussis causes intense coughing fits, especially dangerous for infants. The vaccine is recommended for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women to help prevent these diseases and to protect vulnerable populations through herd immunity. Generally given as a single shot every 10 years, it is an effective tool for disease prevention.