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Glossary

Tdap vaccine

Also known as: Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster

Reviewed by the Black Health editorial team, last updated

The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). CDC recommends one Tdap booster in adulthood, then Td (tetanus-diphtheria) every 10 years. Pregnant women receive Tdap in the third trimester (weeks 27-36) of every pregnancy to pass pertussis antibodies to the newborn.

Pertussis can be life-threatening for infants too young to be vaccinated themselves. Maternal Tdap is one of the single highest-impact pregnancy vaccinations. Black mothers have lower Tdap-in-pregnancy uptake than white mothers, driven by clinician-conversation patterns rather than patient preference per published research.

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Medical Disclaimer

This glossary entry is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition.