Hello! Are you up to date with your Tdap vaccine? The multiple letters on some vaccines can be very confusing. Regarding the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines-adults generally receive Tdap, not the childhood DTaP vaccine.

💉 Tdap protects against three bacterial infections:

• Tetanus — can enter through cuts or wounds and cause severe muscle spasms.
• Diphtheria — can cause serious throat and breathing problems.
• Pertussis (whooping cough) — particularly important for people with underlying lung disease because a prolonged cough or respiratory infection can be especially difficult to manage.

How often do adults need it? According to CDC recommendations:

• One Tdap dose is recommended for adults who have never received Tdap.
• After that, adults should receive Td or Tdap every 10 years.
• Tdap can be used instead of Td for the 10-year booster. 

Preventing pertussis (whooping cough) is particularly relevant to people who already have compromised or damaged airways. A pertussis infection can cause weeks of severe coughing, which may be particularly disruptive for someone with bronchiectasis.

 Vaccination history and the recommended schedule are normally used to determine whether or not an adult needs Tdap. Please discuss your vaccination record with your healthcare provider rather than assuming you’re protected. Please let us know if you have any questions.