What does a Tdap vaccine protect against during pregnancy?

The Tdap vaccine is specifically designed to protect against three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). During pregnancy, the vaccination is particularly important as it helps protect both the mother and the newborn from whooping cough. This is crucial because infants are at high risk for severe complications from whooping cough, and they are not fully vaccinated against it until they are several months old. Immunization during pregnancy allows the transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus, providing passive immunity that can help safeguard the newborn in their early months of life.

While the Tdap vaccine does protect against tetanus and diphtheria, the emphasis on protection against whooping cough highlights its critical role in maternal-infant health during pregnancy. Choices that focus solely on tetanus and diphtheria, hepatitis, or suggest that it includes all of these do not accurately reflect the key preventive aspect of the Tdap vaccine in this context.