Tdap Vaccine: What It Is, Side Effects And Who Should Get It - Forbes

Tdap is a vaccine that effectively prevents tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

The first illness the Tdap vaccine protects against is tetanus. Also known as lockjaw, tetanus is an infection caused by Clostridium tetani, a type of bacteria. When this bacteria gets into the body, it can cause leg muscles and jaw muscles to stiffen and "lock" (hence the name lockjaw). This can make swallowing and even opening the mouth difficult.

Tetanus occurs when harmful bacteria enters the body through broken skin—typically in the form of a puncture wound, burn, contaminated wound, crush injuries (caused by bodily pressure from a large object) or injuries with dead tissue. Tetanus can lead to a variety of health issues including involuntary tightening of the vocal cords, difficulty breathing, fractured bones, pulmonary embolisms and even death, according to the CDC.

The Tdap vaccine also protects against diphtheria, another illness caused by bacteria; in this case, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Diphtheria is typically spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, but can also be contracted when someone touches an open wound or injury containing the bacteria.

Diphtheria can lead to breathing issues, damage to the heart muscle and in some cases, death, according to the CDC.

Finally, the Tdap vaccine can prevent pertussis, also known as whooping cough. While pertussis can be dangerous to all populations, babies are particularly vulnerable. A type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis causes pertussis, and the disease is easily spread by air. It triggers swelling in the airway, uncontrollable coughing and, if left untreated, difficulty breathing.

Whooping cough is an airborne disease, and because babies are particularly vulnerable, the Tdap vaccine is recommended during pregnancy.

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