The Tdap Vaccine And Why You Should Get One
A walk-in clinic can provide a wide range of services, and one of these services is vaccinations. One important vaccination most adults and teens frequently forget they need is the Td, or tetanus booster. However, many people don't know that there's another vaccination they may need called a Tdap which protects against two other serious diseases. If you've never heard of this vaccination, then here is a few key points on why you check into getting one.
What is the Td and Tdap vaccine?
Td is the abbreviation for the normal tetanus booster that many people usually receive about every ten years. First, you get a series of vaccinations as a child, then you usually get the Td vaccine. However, it is now highly recommended that everyone over the age of 11, who hasn't gotten a Tdap vaccine before, get this vaccine which is also a booster for pertussis and diphtheria. You should get this vaccine even if you went through the usual series as a child. After you get this Tdap vaccine, you can continue getting your regular Td, or tetanus, vaccine every ten years.
Who shouldn't get this vaccine?
This vaccine is generally safe for most people. However, if you've ever had an allergic reaction to the related vaccinations you had when you were younger, or any related vaccines, then you should talk to your doctor before getting this vaccine. The same goes for if you've ever had a nervous system disorder or you aren't sure if you've had a reaction to this type of vaccine in the past. If you're currently sick, then wait until you're well.
What will happen if the vaccine is skipped or refused?
Like any other type of vaccine, this one protects you against serious diseases and not getting it puts you at risk at catching them. The thing you should know about these diseases is that their causes are common in the environment and if you get sick from any of them, you could either die or be seriously ill for a long time. Tetanus is bacteria present in the soil, dust, and a variety of other substances. If you have a cut and the bacteria manages to get in, then you can get tetanus if you're not vaccinated. Diphtheria and pertussis, which the vaccine also protects against, are also caused by common bacteria and can be easily spread from person to person. The bad thing about pertussis, especially, is that it can be deadly in infants and you can pass it along without even knowing you have the disease.
The good thing is that any walk-in clinic can set you up to get the Tdap vaccine. That way, you don't have to worry about coming down with the disease or spreading it to anyone else. Most people only need one dose of Tdap in their lifetime, so you only have to think about it once.