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Get a no-cost Tdap vaccine today

The Tdap vaccine helps prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). The Tdap vaccine is provided at no cost with most insurance plans. Plus, get a $5 off $20 coupon* for the next time you shop at CVS®. Age and other restrictions apply.*

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Important information about Tdap

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should receive a Tdap or Td (a different vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis) vaccine every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn. Adults who have not previously received a Tdap vaccine should get the Tdap over Td for the first dose.

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What you should know about Tdap

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)

  • Tetanus (T) (sometimes called “lockjaw”) infections are caused by a certain strain of bacteria that can be found everywhere in the environment, including soil, dust and manure.
  • Diphtheria (d) is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract or skin that spreads from person to person.
  • Pertussis (ap) (or “whooping cough”) is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract.
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It helps protect against serious illness

Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds, while diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) are contagious diseases transmitted between people. The Tdap vaccine can help prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

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Adolescents and adults

The CDC recommends the following individuals receive Tdap:

  • Adolescents ages 11 to 12 years should receive a Tdap vaccine as a single dose.
  • Patients ages 13 to 18 who missed getting a Tdap vaccine by age 12 should receive a single Tdap dose.
  • Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose of Tdap.
  • After their first dose, patients should continue to receive a Td or Tdap vaccine for routine booster immunization every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn.
  • For recommendations on how to protect pregnant individuals and babies, visit the vaccines during pregnancy page.
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When to get a Tdap vaccine during pregnancy

The CDC recommends that pregnant individuals receive the Tdap vaccine

Pregnant individuals should receive a Tdap vaccination early in the third trimester during every pregnancy. The Tdap vaccination provides the baby with antibodies to help protect against pertussis (whooping cough) until they're old enough to get vaccinated.

Learn more about vaccines during pregnancy

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FAQs

Tdap is an acronym created from the initials of the diseases that the vaccine helps protect against: tetanus (T), diphtheria (d) and acellular pertussis (ap) (or “whooping cough”). The Tdap vaccine is indicated for use in most adolescents and adults only. A different vaccine, DTaP, is used with infants and children for these conditions.

  • Tetanus: Patients infected with tetanus-causing bacteria often experience a painful tightening of their muscles and may be unable to open their mouth and may have difficulty swallowing. They may also experience other symptoms such as seizures, fever, headache and muscle stiffness in the neck. Infections occur when these bacteria enter your body through broken skin.
  • Diphtheria: This disease can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or from touching infected sores or ulcers. A respiratory infection can lead to a feeling of weakness, a sore throat, fever and swollen glands in the neck. If the toxin gets into the bloodstream, it may cause heart, nerve and kidney damage.
  • Pertussis (or “whooping cough”): In its early stages, whooping cough may appear similar to the common cold. One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people with whooping cough may develop paroxysms — rapid, violent and uncontrolled coughing fits. Coughing fits usually occur for one to six weeks but can persist for up to 10 weeks. Coughing fits generally get worse and become more common as the illness continues. Infants and young children are most at risk for developing life-threatening complications.

Before receiving a Tdap vaccine, talk to your health care provider* if you:


  • Have had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of any vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria or whooping cough
  • Have had any severe, life-threatening allergies
  • Have had severe pain or swelling after a previous dose of any vaccine that protects against tetanus or diphtheria
  • Were in a coma, decreased level of consciousness or prolonged seizures within seven days after a previous shot of any whooping cough vaccine
  • Have seizures or another nervous system problem
  • Have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (also called “GBS”)
  • Are moderately to severely ill

For further information, visit the page on Tdap vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

Learn more about the Tdap vaccine

  • Side effects may include pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given; mild fever; headache; feeling tired; and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomachache.
  • As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing an severe allergic reaction, other serious injury or death. Such reactions, however, are very rare.
  • If you are experiencing any serious reactions to the vaccine, please seek immediate medical attention.

Medicare Part B covers preventative care vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal pneumonia at no cost. Medicare Part B also covers hepatitis B vaccines for certain people at no cost. Certain other vaccines, such as vaccines used for treatment purposes or vaccines not recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), may be covered with cost sharing. Visit Medicare.gov to learn more.

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Visit the CDC website for the latest information on vaccinations and immunizations for you and your family.

  • *FOR $5 OFF $20 COUPON: Offer available January 8, 2025, through August 10, 2025, while supplies last. Appointments scheduled online will receive the coupon after vaccination. Limit one per customer per vaccine visit. For vaccines that require multiple doses, the coupon will be given with vaccine series completion. Merchandise coupon redeemable at CVS Pharmacy® and Longs Drugs® for one-time use. Terms and conditions apply. See coupon for details. $5 savings applied to total qualifying minimum purchase of $20 (after other coupons and discounts are applied). Reward cannot be earned in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York. This offer is solely made by CVS® and not connected with any vaccine manufacturer.

  • *FOR VACCINES OFFERED: Availability varies by state based on regulations. Age restrictions apply. Available when a certified immunizer is on duty. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Vaccines are currently available at most CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® locations and are no cost with most insurance plans.

  • *FOR RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus.

  • *FOR REWARDS AT THE PHARMACY: You must enroll in the ExtraCare® program and sign the Privacy Authorization to earn ExtraBucks Rewards® for pharmacy activities. You will receive $2 ExtraBucks Rewards when you accumulate 4 credits, up to $50 ExtraBucks Rewards in a calendar year. Rewards at the pharmacy are valid only in the United States and are not available in Arkansas, New Jersey or New York; for any prescriptions transferred to a CVS Pharmacy® in Alabama, Mississippi or Oregon; for any controlled substance prescriptions purchased in Hawaii or Louisiana; or where otherwise prohibited by law. Check terms and conditions for details or ask a CVS® pharmacy team member for a copy.

  • *FOR WHO SHOULD NOT GET VACCINATED: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This is not an all-inclusive list of who should not be vaccinated. Consult with your health care provider or talk to your CVS Pharmacy® certified immunizer to see if the vaccine is right for you.