If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering about that Tdap vaccine your doctor mentioned at your last prenatal visit.
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the pregnancy do’s and don’ts (seriously, the list never ends, right?), or maybe you’re just trying to make sense of what this vaccine actually does and whether it’s really necessary.
Let’s break it down and get you the info you need, without the medical jargon overload.
In this article: 📝
- What is the Tdap vaccine?
- How often do you need the Tdap vaccine in pregnancy?
- Is the Tdap vaccine safe during pregnancy?
- How long is the Tdap vaccine good for?
- Tdap vaccine side effects during pregnancy
- Tdap vaccine pregnancy pros and cons
- Where can I get the Tdap vaccine for free?
- Should I get the Tdap vaccine when pregnant?
What is the Tdap vaccine?
Tdap stands for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis, all of which are pretty serious:
- Tetanus (AKA lockjaw): A nasty bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes severe muscle stiffness.
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and paralysis.
- Pertussis (AKA whooping cough): A highly contagious respiratory infection that’s especially dangerous for newborns.
When you get vaccinated during pregnancy, your body creates antibodies that pass through the placenta to your baby — basically your way of protecting your babe before they’re even born.
According to the, this helps lower the risk of pertussis in babies under 2 months old by 78%, and the risk of hospitalization by 91%. [1]
Pretty incredible, if you ask us!
How often do you need the Tdap vaccine in pregnancy?
Even if you’ve had the Tdap shot before, it’s recommended to get it during every pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27 and 36, according to the CDC. [1]
Studies confirm that getting vaccinated in the third trimester is 85% more effective at preventing pertussis in newborns compared to postpartum vaccination. [2]
Why? Because immunity fades over time (they’re highest about 2 weeks after your shot), and those fresh antibodies are crucial for your baby’s protection.
Is the Tdap vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Absolutely, yes.
We get it, you want to be extra careful during pregnancy, and it’s only natural to search for answers yourself.
The good news is that the Tdap vaccine has been studied extensively in pregnant women.
For example, one study, which analyzed over 16,000 infants, there was no increased risk of congenital anomalies in babies born to vaccinated mothers. [3]
In fact, maternal Tdap vaccination has been shown to prevent up to 93% of pertussis cases in infants under 8 weeks old. [4]
The vaccine contains inactivated bacteria, so it can’t give you or your baby the diseases it protects against.
The science is pretty clear on this one — it’s safe for both you and your growing babe.
How long is the Tdap vaccine good for?
For you? About 10 years.
For your baby? They’ll get passive immunity from you, which protects them until they start their own vaccinations at 2 months old.
That’s why getting the shot during each pregnancy is key — your newborn is most vulnerable in those early weeks, so it gives them the ideal amount of antibodies to protect themselves.
Tdap vaccine side effects during pregnancy
We won’t lie to you — it’s posisble to have some side effects from the Tdap vaccine.
The good news? They’re pretty mild (or ‘acute’ in medical-speak), and they usually go away in a few days — a minor inconvenience for major protection:
- Sore arm (most common - maybe skip arm day at the gym that week!)
- Mild fatigue (as if pregnancy wasn’t making you tired enough, right?)
- Sometimes a low-grade fever
- Occasional headache
How long after the Tdap vaccine can side effects occur?
Most side effects show up within 24 hours and are gone within 3 days.
If you’re going to have a reaction, it usually happens pretty quickly — we’re talking hours, not days or weeks.
Soreness at the injection site is the most common complaint, which is pretty much to be expected — you’ve just had an injection!
If anything feels off longer than a week, it’s worth checking in with your doctor.
Long-term side effects of the Tdap vaccine
Here’s some reassuring news: in the extensive research published about the effects of the Tdap vaccine on pregnant people, they’ve found no evidence of long-term effects for either moms or babies. [5]
That includes any links to pregnancy complications, birth defects, or developmental issues.
You’re good to go, mama!
Allergic reaction to Tdap vaccine while pregnant
Allergic reactions to Tdap are super rare, but they can happen (we’re talking less than 1 in a million doses).
A bit of redness and swelling at the injection site? Totally normal.
But if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Hives
- Swelling of your face or throat
These could signal an allergic reaction and warrant immediate medical attention.
If you have a history of severe allergies to vaccines, talk to your doctor before getting the shot.
Tdap vaccine pregnancy pros and cons
We’ve done the legwork and looked at dozens of medical studies out there about the Tdap vaccine in pregnancy, and we’ve broken it down for you, mama:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Protects your baby from whooping cough, which can be life-threatening in newborns | Some mild side effects like soreness and fatigue |
| Passed-down antibodies provide early protection | May not be suitable if you have certain allergies (but alternatives exist) |
| Helps protect you from tetanus and diphtheria, too | Requires a doctor’s visit (okay, we’re reaching here) |
| Safe and well-studied for mom and baby | |
| Minimal side effects | |
| No links to birth defects, pregnancy complications, birth complications, or developmental issues |
Where can I get the Tdap vaccine for free?
If cost is a concern, you’ve got options:
- Your OB-GYN or midwife: Often covered by insurance
- Local health departments: Some offer free or low-cost vaccines
- Pharmacies: Many offer free shots if you have insurance
- Programs like Vaccines for Children (VFC): If you qualify, it could be free
Tdap vaccine cost without insurance
No insurance? No problem. If you’re paying out of pocket, the vaccine typically costs between $45-$85 at pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. Some community health centers may offer lower-cost options.
Some clinics offer sliding scale fees based on income.
Check with your local health department first — they often have the best prices or might even offer it for free.
Should I get the Tdap vaccine when pregnant?
Yes — and here’s why: babies can’t get their own whooping cough vaccine until they’re 2 months old, but those first weeks are when they’re most vulnerable.
According to a 2017 study, babies whose moms got the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy were 91% less likely to get whooping cough in their first two months of life. That’s huge! [6]
Whooping cough is no joke — it can be deadly for babies, with about half who get it needing hospital care, and the most severe cases in babies under 3 months old.
Getting the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to protect your newborn from whooping cough.
Yes, there’s a lot to think about during pregnancy, but this is one decision that’s backed by solid science and real-world results.
Of course, it’s totally fine to have questions or concerns — that’s part of being a parent!
Talk to your healthcare provider about any specific concerns you might have, they can give you personalized advice based on your medical history, but the general medical consensus is that the Tdap vaccine is worth getting during pregnancy.