The Tdap vaccine is typically given as follows:
- Children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP vaccine in a series of 5 doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.
- Older children (around 11-12 years old) and adults receive a Tdap booster dose.
- After the initial Tdap dose, a booster dose of Td or Tdap is recommended every 10 years.
- Pregnant women should receive a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation.
- Adults who have never received a Tdap dose should get one, followed by Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years.
Note that while tetanus protection lasts about 10 years, pertussis immunity may wane faster, sometimes in 4-5 years, but the routine recommendation remains a booster every 10 years for adults. For pregnant women, a dose is recommended in every pregnancy regardless of previous vaccination to protect the newborn. In summary, the Tdap vaccine is given as a childhood series (DTaP), then a booster at 11-12 years, then every 10 years as Td or Tdap booster shots in adults, with special guidance for pregnant women receiving it each pregnancy.
