Tdap Booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Important vaccination information for parents

Age
5-6 years (preschool booster), 9-16 years (adolescent booster)
Duration
~15 minutes
Performed by
Pediatrician or General Practitioner

What happens during this examination?

  • Injection given into the upper arm muscle (deltoid).
  • Boosts immunity against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
  • First booster at 5-6 years (before school entry).
  • Second booster at 9-16 years (adolescent booster, often combined with IPV as Tdap-IPV).
  • Tetanus and diphtheria boosters are then recommended every 10 years throughout adulthood.

Preparation Tips

  • Check the vaccination record to confirm previous doses of 6-in-1 vaccine.
  • Bring the yellow booklet.
  • Inform doctor of any previous severe vaccine reactions.

Questions for your doctor

  • Why is pertussis booster needed in adolescents? (Immunity wanes after childhood)
  • Can Tdap booster be given at same time as HPV or MenACWY? (Yes)
  • What is the difference between Tdap and Td?

When to call the doctor

  • Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis vaccine.
  • Encephalopathy within 7 days of a previous pertussis-containing vaccine (rare but absolute contraindication).
  • Moderate or severe acute illness with fever.

Parent Tips

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) is resurgent; adolescent booster protects the teenager and reduces transmission to vulnerable infants.
  • Local reactions (pain, redness, swelling at injection site) occur in 50-80% but resolve in 1-3 days.
  • Mild fever, fatigue, and muscle aches are common and self-limited.
  • Adults need tetanus booster every 10 years; one dose should include pertussis (Tdap) if not previously given.

Vaccination Schedule

According to the STIKO recommendation, this vaccination is given at: 5-6 years (preschool booster), 9-16 years (adolescent booster)

Always consult your pediatrician for individual advice.
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