Adacel vaccine

What Adacel Protects Against:

• Diphtheria – a bacterial infection that affects the throat and can block airways
• Tetanus – also known as “lockjaw,” caused by bacteria entering the body through wounds, leading to painful muscle stiffness
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing fits

This vaccine is also known as a Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis).

Who Should Get the Adacel Vaccine?

• Adolescents (usually 11–12 years old) as a booster after childhood immunizations
• Adults who haven’t had a Tdap booster
• Pregnant women during every pregnancy (between 27–36 weeks) to protect newborns from whooping cough
• Healthcare workers and close contacts of infants

Dosing Schedule:

• Single-dose booster for ages 10 and older
• Can be repeated every 10 years or earlier if needed (e.g., after a wound)

Why It’s Important:

• Pertussis can be life-threatening in newborns and infants
• Tetanus bacteria are found in soil, dust, and rust, and can enter the body through even small wounds
• Diphtheria outbreaks, though rare, can spread quickly in unvaccinated populations

During Pregnancy:

The Adacel vaccine is strongly recommended during each pregnancy to help pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth.