Understanding the Tdap Vaccine During Pregnancy and Around a New Baby

One of the most common questions families ask before a baby arrives is whether parents, grandparents, and other caregivers should receive the Tdap vaccine. It can feel overwhelming because there is so much information available, and not all of it agrees.

What is the Tdap vaccine?

Tdap is a vaccine that helps protect against three different illnesses:

• Tetanus (lockjaw), a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system.

• Diphtheria, a bacterial infection that can affect breathing and the heart.

• Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness.

For most healthy adults, pertussis may look like a severe cough that lasts for several weeks. For young infants, especially those under two months of age, it can be much more serious because their immune systems are still developing.

Why is it recommended during pregnancy?

Many healthcare providers recommend that pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of every pregnancy, even if they have received it before.

The reason is that antibodies produced by the mother can cross the placenta and provide temporary protection to the baby after birth. This passive immunity helps bridge the gap until the baby is old enough to begin receiving their own vaccinations.

This protection is temporary, but those first few weeks of life are also when babies are at their highest risk for complications from whooping cough.

Why are caregivers sometimes encouraged to receive it?

You may hear the term "cocooning."

Cocooning is the idea of surrounding a newborn with people who are less likely to become infected with pertussis and pass it to the baby. Healthcare providers may recommend that parents, grandparents, babysitters, or anyone who will have frequent close contact with the baby be up to date on their Tdap vaccine.

The goal is to reduce the chances that someone unknowingly brings whooping cough into the baby's environment.

When do babies receive their own protection?

Babies do not receive the Tdap vaccine.

Instead, they receive a vaccine called DTaP, which protects against the same three diseases but is formulated for infants and young children.

The first dose is typically given around 2 months of age, followed by additional doses throughout infancy and early childhood to build longer-term protection.

Because newborns are not yet old enough to receive that first dose, healthcare providers often focus on ways to reduce their exposure during those first several weeks of life.

Why do some families choose to delay vaccines?

Families make healthcare decisions for many different reasons.

Some parents choose to follow the standard immunization schedule recommended by organizations such as the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Others may decide to delay certain vaccines while they gather more information or discuss their concerns with their healthcare provider.

Reasons families sometimes choose to delay vaccinations include:

• Wanting more time to research

• Questions about ingredients or safety

• Personal or family health history

• Religious or philosophical beliefs

• Preference for an alternative vaccine schedule

Every family approaches these conversations differently, and respectful discussions with a trusted healthcare provider can help parents understand the benefits, risks, and current evidence.

Protecting your newborn involves more than one decision

Whether families choose to follow the standard vaccine schedule or have additional questions they want answered first, protecting a newborn is made up of many everyday choices.

Those choices may include:

• Washing hands before holding the baby

• Staying home when sick

• Limiting exposure to large crowds during the newborn period

• Supporting breastfeeding if possible, since breast milk contains antibodies that help support a baby's immune system

• Practicing safe sleep

• Attending regular pediatric visits

• Learning to recognize signs that a newborn needs medical attention

There is rarely one single decision that determines a baby's health. Instead, it is the combination of many thoughtful decisions made over time.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your baby is becoming an informed parent.

Ask questions. Read from credible sources. Talk with your obstetric provider, pediatrician, or midwife about your concerns. Understand why recommendations are made, what evidence supports them, and how they apply to your family's unique situation.

Knowledge gives parents confidence. Whether you are preparing for your first baby or adding another little one to your family, taking time to learn is one of the best ways to advocate for yourself and your child.