Tdap
百日咳、白喉、破傷風混合疫苗（Tdap）
The vaccine pregnant women need in every pregnancy to protect newborns from whooping cough. Also the 10-year adult booster most HK adults forget.
Boostrix · Adacel
What is it?
Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
A use of Tdap in Hong Kong is maternal vaccination during each pregnancy. Maternal antibodies cross the placenta and protect the baby in the months before the baby's own vaccines kick in.
Tdap is the adult formulation; DTaP is the childhood version. Both are inactivated vaccines.
Hong Kong guidance, eligibility and individual assessment
Pregnancy: Hong Kong recommends pertussis vaccination in every pregnancy. Ask your antenatal clinic to confirm timing and service arrangements for this pregnancy; a previous pregnancy’s dose does not replace that review. Children follow HKCIP; other adult needs require individual assessment.
The childhood programme uses DTaP-IPV at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months and Primary 1, then reduced-dose Tdap-IPV at Primary 6. The routine programme is not DTaP-IPV-Hib.
Adult catch-up, boosters and wound management require a clinician to review records and the wound; a five-year rule alone is insufficient. The ten-year booster below is a US reference, not a Hong Kong childhood-programme rule.
International reference (US CDC)
US CDC recommends Tdap for all pregnant women each pregnancy (27-36 weeks), and Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years for adults.
Schedule
Pregnancy: one dose each pregnancy, with timing confirmed by the antenatal clinic. CHP’s 2024 circular advises weeks 26–34, preferably before week 35 or at least 15 days before delivery. Confirm against your current antenatal and service arrangements.
Children: DTaP-IPV at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months and Primary 1; reduced-dose Tdap-IPV at Primary 6. Other adult catch-up or boosters need a separate record-based assessment.
Vaccine product reference
| Brand | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Boostrix · Tdap (adult/adolescent) | GSK |
| Adacel · Tdap (adult/adolescent) | Sanofi |
These product names are reference examples, not a complete list of registered products or confirmation of current supply. Confirm the exact product and availability with the provider.
Side effects
Common: sore arm, mild fever, tiredness, headache. Lasts 1-2 days. Tdap is well-tolerated in pregnancy with extensive safety data.
Common myths
Myth: The pertussis vaccine isn't safe in pregnancy.
Reality: It is. Tdap has been used in pregnancy in the US, UK, Australia, and many other countries for over a decade with no increased risk of complications. HK CHP's recommendation aligns with this evidence.
Myth: If I got Tdap in my last pregnancy, I am covered for this one.
Reality: Hong Kong recommends vaccination in every pregnancy to provide maternal-antibody protection for that baby. Ask the antenatal clinic to check records and timing.
Cost and vaccination locations
Pregnant women can enquire with their antenatal clinic, obstetrician or GP about current services, timing, eligibility and fees. Eligible children use MCHCs and School Immunisation Teams. Adults can ask their GP about other needs; obtain prompt medical assessment for a wound.
Sources
- HK CHP — Maternal pertussis vaccination recommendation · HK Centre for Health Protection (HK)Source checked:
- CHP: current childhood and school vaccination schedule · Centre for Health Protection, DH (HK)Source checked:
- CHP: pertussis and maternal vaccination circular, May 2024 · Centre for Health Protection, DH (HK)Source checked:
The review type is not recorded; this does not establish clinical review. Source checks are dated below. How sources are used
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