TDAP VACCINE. SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Tdap Vaccine in Arizona

One booster covers three serious diseases. Tdap protects you, protects your family, and is required or strongly recommended for travelers, healthcare workers, and anyone around infants. Same-day appointments often available at our Scottsdale travel clinic.

Call (480) 435-2774 Book Online

80 to 90% effective vs. pertussis . Near-complete protection vs. tetanus and diphtheria . One dose every 10 years

QUICK FACTS

The Tdap vaccine is an essential immunization that protects against three serious bacterial infections: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

  • Current guidelines recommend getting a Tdap vaccine if you haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last 5 to 10 years.
  • Pertussis (or whooping cough) outbreaks are becoming more common, even here in the United States, as more people fall behind on their routine immunizations.

Three Diseases, One Injection

Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). All three are bacterial infections that were once leading causes of childhood death and disability in the United States before widespread vaccination. All three remain active risks today, both domestically and internationally.

Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani, a spore-forming bacterium present in soil, dust, and animal intestines worldwide. The toxin attacks the nervous system, causing severe, painful muscle contractions. Without treatment, the case-fatality rate reaches 10 to 20 percent in high-income countries and can exceed 50 percent where intensive care is unavailable. It enters through wounds, cuts, punctures, burns, or even minor skin breaks.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and spreads through respiratory droplets. It produces a potent toxin that creates a thick gray membrane in the throat, can obstruct breathing, and causes heart and nerve damage. The disease is rare in the United States but remains endemic in parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the former Soviet states. Unvaccinated travelers face real risk.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis is among the most contagious of all respiratory infections, with an attack rate of 80 to 90 percent in unvaccinated household contacts. The disease causes prolonged, violent coughing fits that can last 10 to 12 weeks. In adults it’s frequently disabling and miserable but rarely fatal. In infants under 12 months, however, pertussis is a serious killer. Approximately 70 percent of pertussis deaths in the United States occur in infants too young to be fully vaccinated.

Who Should Get the Tdap Vaccine

  • All adolescents who have not received Tdap (routinely given at age 11 to 12)
  • All adults who have never received Tdap as adults, regardless of childhood vaccination history
  • Pregnant women during every pregnancy, between 27 and 36 weeks gestation
  • Anyone in close contact with an infant younger than 12 months (parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers)
  • Healthcare workers with direct patient contact
  • Travelers to countries with active pertussis circulation or limited healthcare infrastructure
  • Anyone with a deep or contaminated wound if the last tetanus booster was more than 5 years ago

Medically Reviewed By

Norman J. Bizon, PA-C, CTH
Medical Director, 30+ years clinical experience

Tessa E. McFall, ASN, EMT
Travel Health Clinician

Last updated May 4, 2026

RECOMMENDATIONS BY AUDIENCE

Who Needs Tdap

ACIP guidance varies by age, life stage, occupation, and travel plans. Select your situation below.

Every adult who has not previously received a Tdap vaccine should receive one dose as soon as possible, regardless of how recently they received a Td (tetanus-diphtheria only) booster. There is no minimum interval required. After receiving a single Tdap, adults should continue on a Td booster schedule every 10 years to maintain tetanus and diphtheria protection.

Some providers and patients elect to use Tdap for one or more of these booster intervals. ACIP considers this acceptable but does not require it. The added benefit is renewed pertussis protection, which wanes over time.

ACIP recommends one dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, regardless of prior Tdap history, between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. Earlier in this window is preferred so peak maternal antibody levels are present at birth and maximize passive transfer to the infant. This strategy is the most effective intervention for preventing infant pertussis deaths.

The Tdap during pregnancy is safe for the mother and fetus, and is recommended even for women who received Tdap in a previous pregnancy or recently as a non-pregnant adult.

Travelers should ensure their tetanus and pertussis protection is current before any international trip, particularly to areas with active pertussis circulation, ongoing diphtheria activity, or limited healthcare infrastructure for wound management. Diphtheria remains endemic in parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the former Soviet states.

If your last tetanus booster was more than 10 years ago, get a Tdap (or Td if you have already had Tdap) before departure. Travelers planning rural, adventure, or extended stays should be especially diligent about wound-related vaccines.

Healthcare personnel with direct patient contact, childcare workers, and anyone working with infants younger than 12 months should receive a single dose of Tdap if not previously vaccinated as an adult. This is to protect both the worker and the vulnerable populations they serve.

Hospitals and many clinical settings now require documentation of Tdap as a condition of employment. We provide standard immunization records that meet most institutional requirements.

Infants cannot begin their own DTaP series until 2 months of age. In those first weeks they rely on antibodies passed from mother during pregnancy and on the fact that people around them are vaccinated. Siblings, grandparents, and other household members who have not received Tdap should be vaccinated as early as possible before a new baby arrives, ideally at least 2 weeks before the due date.

For any deep or contaminated wound, vaccination status should be reviewed. If the last tetanus-containing dose was more than 5 years ago, a booster is indicated. A deep puncture wound from a nail, animal bite, or soil-contaminated injury warrants immediate evaluation. Tdap can be used in this scenario in adults who have not previously received it.

SAFETY

Who Should Not Get the Tdap Vaccine

Tdap is safe for the vast majority of people. A few specific situations require careful consultation before vaccination.

Contraindications

You should not receive Tdap, or should receive it only after careful consultation, if you:

  • Have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of any tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis-containing vaccine
  • Developed encephalopathy (coma, decreased consciousness, prolonged seizures) within 7 days of a previous pertussis-containing vaccine, with no other identifiable cause
  • Have a moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever (defer until recovery)
  • Have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous tetanus-containing vaccine (consult your physician)

Precautions, Not Contraindications

Several conditions warrant a discussion but generally do not prevent vaccination:

  • History of severe local reaction (Arthus reaction) after a prior dose
  • Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy (use small needle, hold pressure)
  • Progressive or unstable neurologic disorders (defer until stable)
  • Mild illness, low-grade fever, or routine antibiotic therapy (no deferral needed)
Call to Discuss Your Case

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Specific Situations We Handle

Pregnancy

Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks. Earlier in the window is preferred to maximize antibody transfer to the infant. The vaccine is safe for both mother and fetus. Receive it even if you had Tdap in a previous pregnancy or recently as a non-pregnant adult.

Bleeding Disorders or Anticoagulants

Patients on warfarin, DOACs, antiplatelets, or with hemophilia or thrombocytopenia can safely receive Tdap. We use a fine 23-gauge needle, apply firm pressure for 2 minutes, and provide post-injection care to minimize bruising.

Immunocompromised Patients

Tdap is an inactivated vaccine, safe for immunocompromised patients including those on chemotherapy, biologics, or after transplant. Response may be reduced. Consult your specialist for optimal timing.

Wound-Related Boosters

For a clean minor wound, a booster is indicated if the last dose was more than 10 years ago. For deep, contaminated, or puncture wounds, the threshold drops to 5 years. We can give Tdap or Td based on your prior vaccination history.

Adolescents (Age 11 to 12)

The adolescent Tdap booster restores waning pertussis immunity. ACIP recommends one dose at the 11 to 12 year well-child visit regardless of interval since the last DTaP dose. Adolescents who missed this dose should receive it at the earliest opportunity.

Adults Over 65

Adults aged 65 and older should receive Tdap if they have not received it as adults. Tetanus-related deaths in the United States increasingly occur in older adults whose immunity has waned. Boosters every 10 years are essential.

EFFECTIVENESS

High Protection Across All Three Diseases

Tdap provides near-complete protection against tetanus and diphtheria after the initial Tdap dose, with continued protection from the Td booster every 10 years. Pertussis protection is high but wanes over time, which is why pertussis-containing boosters are recommended in pregnancy and for close infant contacts.

Tetanus and diphtheria efficacy approach 100 percent in fully vaccinated adults. Pertussis effectiveness is 80 to 90 percent in the first year after Tdap and gradually decreases over the following 5 to 10 years.

The single most important takeaway: keep Td or Tdap boosters current every 10 years. After a clean adult Tdap dose, switch to Td or Tdap boosters at the 10-year interval.

~99%

Tetanus
Near-complete

80 to 90%

Pertussis
Year 1 after dose

Booster every 10 years

Td booster maintains tetanus and diphtheria protection for life

COST AND INSURANCE

What to Expect at Checkout

Tdap is often partially covered by commercial health insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid as a recommended adult vaccine. Coverage varies by plan and pharmacy versus office-administered. We provide receipts for reimbursement.

At Your Appointment

You will be charged for:

  • Travel health consultation when relevant
  • The Tdap vaccine
  • Any other vaccines or prescriptions you elect

Pricing varies based on services. Call (480) 435-2774 for current pricing.

What to Ask Your Insurer

Before your appointment, call the member services number on your insurance card and ask:

  • Does my plan cover Tdap (CPT 90715)?
  • Is it covered under medical or pharmacy benefits?
  • Do I need pre-authorization?
  • Can I apply HSA or FSA funds?

For Reimbursement

After your appointment, we provide a detailed itemized receipt with:

  • CPT code 90715 (Tdap) and administration code
  • Diagnosis code
  • Clinician’s NPI
  • Itemized line items

Reimbursement outcome is between you and your insurer.

SAFETY PROFILE

Side Effects and Safety

Tdap has been administered hundreds of millions of times globally. The safety profile is well-established and most reactions are mild and short-lived.

COMMON. 60 to 80%

Local Reactions

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site (1 to 3 days)
  • Mild arm fatigue or limited range of motion
  • Temporary tenderness when lifting

LESS COMMON. 10 to 30%

Systemic Symptoms

Mild systemic effects within 1 to 3 days of vaccination, all self-limited:

  • Low-grade fever
  • Mild headache or fatigue
  • Body aches or chills
  • Nausea or upset stomach

RARE

Severe Reactions

  • Anaphylaxis: approximately 1 in 1 million doses, treated immediately on site
  • Severe local reaction (Arthus): rare, usually with very frequent prior boosters
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome: approximately 1 in 1 million doses if seen at all (causal link debated)

We observe you for 15 minutes after your injection. If you experience severe reactions at home (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of face or throat), call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately and tell them you received Tdap.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

After Your Tdap Vaccination

1

The First 24 to 72 Hours

Mild soreness or redness at the injection site is normal and peaks at 24 to 48 hours. A cold compress and over-the-counter pain relief help. Symptoms resolve within 3 to 5 days.

2

Document Your Vaccination

We provide a vaccination record with the date, lot number, and clinician signature. Add it to your immunization records, employer records if relevant, and personal travel health folder.

3

Td Booster in 10 Years

Mark your calendar. The Td booster (tetanus and diphtheria) is due every 10 years after your Tdap. If you sustain a significant wound before that interval, check your status. A deep wound may require a dose sooner.

4

Other Travel Vaccines

Tdap can be given the same day as most other travel vaccines. We coordinate your full pre-travel panel at one appointment, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and others.

WHY A TRAVEL CLINIC

TravelBug vs. Primary Care or Pharmacy

Tdap is widely available, but a travel clinic delivers more value when you’re combining it with other pre-travel preparation.

TravelBug Health

  • Specialty travel-medicine consultation
  • Coordinates Tdap with your full pre-travel vaccine panel
  • Same-day or next-day appointments often available
  • Immediate documentation for employer or travel use
  • Detailed itinerary-based risk assessment
  • Wound-management consultation if recently injured

PCP or Retail Pharmacy

  • Tdap available, but no travel-medicine specialty
  • Limited or no coordination with other travel vaccines
  • Variable scheduling and stock
  • Standard immunization record only
  • General consultation only
  • No specialty follow-up for travel-related questions

SCHEDULE YOUR VACCINATION

TravelBug Health in Scottsdale

We’re a travel-medicine clinic in the heart of the Phoenix metro. We see travelers, families, healthcare workers, and adults who need their Tdap booster from across the Valley and northern Arizona, with the flexible scheduling and coordination that primary-care offices often lack.

TravelBug Health Travel Clinic
8603 E Royal Palm Rd, Suite 120
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Phone: (480) 435-2774
Email: team@travelbughealth.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (by appointment)

Call Now Book Online

Just minutes from across the Valley

North Scottsdale near the 101 and Shea Blvd:

No referral required. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Call us to schedule.

QUESTIONS PATIENTS ASK

Frequently Asked Questions

One Tdap dose, then a Td booster every 10 years. The Tdap dose is the one that includes pertussis (whooping cough). Subsequent boosters can be Td (tetanus and diphtheria only) every 10 years, though some adults choose Tdap again at one or more 10-year intervals to renew pertussis protection.

Most commercial insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid cover Tdap as a recommended adult vaccine. Coverage varies by plan and by whether the dose is administered in a clinic versus a pharmacy. We provide itemized receipts for HSA, FSA, and reimbursement claims.

DTaP is the pediatric formulation given to children under 7 years old. It contains a higher dose of pertussis component. Tdap is the adolescent and adult formulation, with a lower pertussis dose. They are not interchangeable. Children should receive DTaP in their primary series, then Tdap as the adolescent booster at age 11 to 12.

Yes. ACIP strongly recommends one Tdap dose during every pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, regardless of prior history. This is the most effective intervention for preventing infant pertussis deaths. The vaccine is safe for both mother and fetus.

If your last tetanus-containing vaccine was more than 10 years ago, you are due for a booster. If you have never received Tdap as an adult, get Tdap now. If you’ve had Tdap previously, Td is appropriate. For deep or contaminated wounds, the threshold drops to 5 years.

Mild illness (cold, low-grade fever) is not a reason to delay Tdap. Moderate or severe illness with fever above 101 F is a reason to defer until you’re better. Routine antibiotic therapy doesn’t affect timing. Call us if you’re not sure.

Yes. Tdap can be given the same day as most other vaccines, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, MMR, and influenza. We coordinate the full pre-travel panel at a single appointment.

Yes. CDC recommends Tdap for all healthcare personnel with direct patient contact, particularly those who care for infants younger than 12 months. Many hospitals and clinics now require Tdap as a condition of employment.

A history of severe local reaction (Arthus reaction) is a precaution, not a contraindication. Most patients can still receive Tdap, but the timing of the next dose may be adjusted. A history of anaphylaxis to a tetanus-containing vaccine is a contraindication. Bring documentation of any prior reactions to your appointment.

Yes. Tdap is an inactivated vaccine and cannot cause pertussis or other infections in the mother or baby. Maternal Tdap antibodies cross the placenta and protect the newborn during the first weeks of life before the baby can begin their own DTaP series.

Cocooning means vaccinating everyone who will be in close contact with a newborn (parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers) so the infant is protected by herd immunity within the household. Combined with maternal Tdap, this is the most effective protection for infants too young to be vaccinated themselves.

Antibody response begins within a few days and peaks at 2 to 4 weeks after vaccination. For travel or specific exposure-related needs, plan to receive Tdap at least 2 weeks before departure or anticipated exposure.

Yes, children aged 7 and older can receive Tdap. Children under 7 should receive the pediatric DTaP formulation as part of their primary series. The adolescent Tdap booster is recommended for all children at the 11 to 12 year well-child visit.

  • Any prior immunization records
  • A current medication list
  • Insurance card if you plan to submit for reimbursement
  • Documentation of any prior severe allergic reactions or vaccine reactions
  • Travel itinerary if you’re getting Tdap as part of pre-travel preparation

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Schedule Your Tdap Vaccination

No referral required. Same-day and next-day appointments often available. We handle the consultation, the vaccine, and full documentation. All in one visit.

Call (480) 435-2774 Book Online