Is It Safe to Get a Tetanus Booster with a DTaP Vaccine?

Q: Is It Safe to Get a Tetanus Booster with a DTaP Vaccine?

Hello： Currently, there is no standalone pertussis vaccine available in Taiwan, so only the combination vaccine can be administered. <br>To protect newborns from pertussis infection, it is still recommended to receive the combination vaccine. <br>Additionally, the likelihood of e

Is there any issue with repeated administration of the tetanus vaccine?

Because my baby is about to be born, I plan to schedule a vaccination for whooping cough to ensure the baby's health.
After inquiring at nearby clinics, I found that only the Tdap vaccine (which includes whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus) is available.
However, I received a tetanus vaccine earlier this year due to an injury, and I found online that the recommended interval for tetanus vaccinations is every 10 years.
I am concerned that receiving the Tdap vaccine, which contains the tetanus component, could lead to an allergic reaction since I recently had the tetanus vaccine.
Therefore, I would like to ask for the doctor's advice on whether it is safe to receive the Tdap vaccine.
Thank you.

Mr. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/12

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine

Hello: Currently, there is no standalone pertussis vaccine available in Taiwan, so only the combination vaccine can be administered.
To protect newborns from pertussis infection, it is still recommended to receive the combination vaccine.
Additionally, the likelihood of experiencing side effects or allergic reactions from the tetanus vaccine is low.
If there are concerns, it is advisable to rest at a healthcare facility for 30 minutes after vaccination to monitor for any discomfort.

Reply Date: 2023/10/12

More Info

When considering the safety of receiving a Tetanus booster alongside a DTaP vaccine (which includes Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), it's important to understand the guidelines and recommendations surrounding these vaccinations.

Firstly, the DTaP vaccine is typically administered to children under the age of 7, while the Tdap vaccine (which is a booster for older children and adults) is used for individuals aged 11 and older. The Tdap vaccine contains lower doses of the diphtheria and pertussis components compared to the DTaP vaccine. Given that you mentioned you received a Tetanus vaccine earlier this year due to an injury, it’s crucial to consider the timing of your vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults receive a Tdap booster every 10 years. However, if you have received a Tetanus vaccine recently (within the last 5 years), it is generally safe to receive the DTaP vaccine, as the risk of an allergic reaction is low. The DTaP vaccine does contain Tetanus toxoid, but the amount is not significantly higher than what you would receive in a standalone Tetanus booster.

In your case, since you are planning to get vaccinated against whooping cough (Pertussis) to protect your newborn, it is advisable to proceed with the DTaP vaccine. The benefits of protecting your baby from Pertussis, which can be particularly severe in infants, outweigh the risks associated with receiving the Tetanus component again in a short time frame.
It is also worth noting that the risk of allergic reactions to vaccines is generally low, especially if you have not had a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines in the past. The CDC and other health organizations have established protocols to monitor and manage any potential adverse reactions to vaccines, ensuring that they are safe for public use.

In summary, based on current medical guidelines and the information provided, it is safe for you to receive the DTaP vaccine even after having received a Tetanus booster earlier this year. This vaccination will not only help protect your health but also provide critical immunity to your newborn against whooping cough. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice, especially when it comes to vaccinations during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. They can provide you with the most accurate and tailored recommendations based on your health history and current circumstances.

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