Tdap Vaccine for Preteens and Teens

The Tdap vaccine protects preteens and teens against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Young children receive DTaP shots, but that early protection fades as kids get older, leaving preteens and teens vulnerable again. Tdap is the booster that renews it.

The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a single Tdap dose for all preteens at ages 11–12. Teens who are 13 through 18 and haven't yet received it should get caught up right away. The shot is well studied and safe; side effects are usually mild, such as soreness at the injection site, headache, or tiredness.

The resources below explain who needs the vaccine, when it's given, how it's paid for through the Vaccines for Children program, and what to expect afterward. They were produced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by Immunize.org, and are distributed here by the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Because these particular handouts were issued several years ago, please confirm any dates or schedule details against the current CDC immunization schedule before acting on them.

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