Protecting Newborns Against Pertussis

Individuals who receive tetanus-containing vaccines more than once every 5 years may experience increased local reactions. Because Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine is recommended for women during each pregnancy, those with short interbirth intervals may receive it just a few years after prior immunization. Using data from seven Vaccine Safety Datalink sites (29,155 pregnancies), researchers assessed acute adverse events in mothers and adverse birth outcomes in neonates according to the interval between Tdap and a prior tetanus-containing vaccine.

Local reactions, fever, preterm delivery, and small-for-gestational-age birth occurred no more frequently among women who received Tdap after intervals <2 years, or 2 to 5…