Vaccines are a safe and highly effective way to protect people against disease. Tdap and DTaP are two common vaccines. Rates of tetanus and diphtheria dropped by 99 percent , and rates of whooping cough dropped by 80 percent , since these vaccines became available. Widespread vaccine use has saved many lives.

This page uses "javascript" to display properly. Javascript is not enabled in your browser, so some features on this page may not work correctly. Are more infants dying from the disease? Since the s, the number of reported pertussis cases has increased.

Tdap vaccine can prevent tetanus , diphtheria , and pertussis. Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Adolescents should receive a single dose of Tdap, preferably at age 11 or 12 years. Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, to protect the newborn from pertussis.

The Tdap vaccine is a combination booster shot. It protects preteens and adults against three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis whooping cough. Tetanus and diphtheria are rare in the United States today, but whooping cough continues to spread.