Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can be very serious diseases, even for adolescents and adults. Tdap vaccine can protect us from these diseases.

TETANUS (Lockjaw) causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness. Tetanus kills about 1 out of 5 people who are infected. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds. Therefore, it is especially important after a severe cut or burn.

DIPHTHERIA can cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure.

PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) causes severe coughing spells, which can cause difficulty breathing. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis. Anyone having close contact with babies should be vaccinated.