Tdap Vaccine: Essential Protection for Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Pregnant Women

Cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have once again become a concern in the healthcare community following an increase in cases across various countries, including Indonesia. Pertussis is not just an ordinary cough; it is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, especially in infants.

Therefore, as part of prevention efforts, the Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, reduced Diphtheria, acellular Pertussis) plays an important role as a booster vaccine to maintain protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis across different age groups. According to Dr. Achmad Y. Heryana, SpA, and Dr. Hendera Henderi, SpOG, from National Hospital, Tdap vaccination has now become an important component of lifelong health protection strategies (lifecourse immunization).

"The Tdap vaccine is administered as a booster to provide protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Educational materials on pertussis emphasize that there was an increase in global pertussis cases, including in Indonesia, in 2023, making prevention through vaccination increasingly important," said Dr. Achmad Y. Heryana, SpA.

In children, protection against pertussis begins with the DTP vaccine, administered at 2, 3, and 4 months of age, followed by booster doses at 18 months and again at 5–7 years of age. Upon reaching adolescence, this protection needs to be strengthened with a Tdap vaccination given between the ages of 10 and 18 years.

Adults are recommended to receive a single dose of Tdap as a booster and repeat it every 10 years to maintain optimal antibody levels. For pregnant women, Tdap is recommended during every pregnancy. This booster is important because immunity against pertussis is known to decrease over time, a phenomenon referred to as waning immunity.

Although both DTaP and Tdap provide protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, there are important differences between them. DTaP contains higher amounts of diphtheria and pertussis antigens, making it suitable for primary immunization in infants and children to build a strong immune response.

In contrast, Tdap contains lower (reduced) amounts of diphtheria and pertussis antigens, making it more appropriate as a booster for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women, with a lower risk of local side effects. Thus, DTaP serves to establish initial immunity, while Tdap helps maintain long-term protection.

One of the groups most strongly recommended to receive the Tdap vaccine is pregnant women. Based on the latest recommendations from the Indonesian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (POGI), Tdap should be administered during every pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. The goal is for antibodies produced by the mother to be transferred to the fetus through the placenta.

As a result, the baby receives passive protection from birth. This is especially important because infants younger than two months cannot yet receive the primary pertussis vaccine, despite being the age group at highest risk of severe complications from pertussis infection.

"Administering Tdap to pregnant women is very important because infants under two months of age cannot yet receive the primary pertussis vaccine, even though this age group has the highest risk of complications. Maternal immunization materials explain that antibodies formed after maternal vaccination can cross the placenta and provide passive protection to the baby from birth," explained Dr. Hendera Henderi, SpOG.

From a pediatric perspective, maternal immunization has transformed the paradigm of preventing infectious diseases in infants. Pediatricians now focus not only on infant immunization schedules but also actively educate expectant mothers about the importance of vaccination during pregnancy.

Collaboration between pediatricians and obstetricians is becoming increasingly important because protection for the baby begins even before birth. This approach is particularly relevant considering data showing that approximately one in three infants under one year of age who contract pertussis require hospitalization and may face risks such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or even death.

As part of its commitment to providing comprehensive health protection for families, National Hospital offers Tdap vaccination services for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women in accordance with the latest medical recommendations, along with a comfortable and reliable vaccination experience.

Supported by an experienced team of specialist physicians, National Hospital is ready to help you obtain optimal protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Do not wait until illness strikes. Protect yourself and your loved ones early with the right vaccination at National Hospital.