The Tdap vaccine protects you against three serious bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (also known as whooping cough). Because these diseases are contagious, getting a Tdap shot doesn’t just protect you, it helps protect others around you.

Sutter Walk-In Care makes getting the Tdap shot simple and fast. Book a same-day visit online or simply walk-in. In just a small amount of time, you can make a big impact on your health.

About Tetanus

• Tetanus is also known as “lockjaw” because it affects your nervous system and can lead to painful muscle cramps, stiffness and spasms, especially in your neck and jaw.
• It’s possible for your head and neck muscles to tighten so much that you can’t swallow or breathe.
• Tetanus bacteria are found in dust, manure and soil, and usually enter your body through a cut or wound.
• There is no cure for tetanus; that’s why it’s important to be vaccinated against it.
• Tetanus booster shots are recommended about once every 10 years.

About Whooping Cough

• Whooping cough symptoms – uncontrollable, violent coughing that can often make it hard to breathe – are why pertussis has its nickname.
• In recent years, this highly contagious respiratory tract infection has been on the rise in Northern California.
• Students entering grades 7 through 12 are required by California law to be vaccinated against whooping cough and need to show proof of receiving a booster shot after age 7.
• Pertussis is especially harmful to infants, but teens and adults can also have serious complications from whooping cough, including fracturing a rib from coughing violently.
• Everyone between the ages of 11 and 64 should get a whooping cough booster shot, especially adults who are in contact with children.
• Pregnant women can also get vaccinated against whooping cough to protect their babies.

About Diphtheria

• Diphtheria creates a thick coating in the back of your throat that can lead to breathing problems, heart failure and paralysis.
• You can catch it through cough or sneeze droplets, or coming into contact with an object that has the bacteria on it.
• The disease targets both children and adults that have not had the diphtheria vaccine recently.
• Booster shots are recommended for preteens at age 11 or 12.
• Adults should get a diphtheria booster shot about once every 10 years.