Is Tdap recommended for a woman who is pregnant?

Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, is indeed recommended for women who are pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that all pregnant women receive a Tdap booster during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, regardless of whether they have received Tdap in the past. This timing is crucial as it maximizes the antibodies passed to the fetus, which helps protect the newborn from whooping cough in the early months of life when they are most vulnerable.

This vaccination is essential not only for the health of the mother but also to ensure the best possible protection for the child after birth, considering that infants are at a high risk for serious complications from pertussis. The recommendation does not depend solely on the presence of an outbreak, making it critical for future mothers to stay up to date with the vaccine even outside of outbreaks.