Tdap Vaccines: Do I Need to be Vaccinated for Every Pregnancy?

It is recommended that expecting mothers receive the Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy, regardless of the time interval between those pregnancies. OB/GYN Amanda Henne, MD, explains that this helps protect your baby.

Dr. Henne says, "There is some research that shows that there is a rapid decrease in the amount of antibodies in our bodies approximately two to three years after receiving the vaccine. For this reason, it is recommended that a patient receives the Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy, regardless of the time interval between those pregnancies."

"This helps to make sure that there is a maximum number of antibodies that are being transferred over to the baby, so that there will be antibodies present at birth in order to help protect the newborn." 

Whether it’s your very first bundle of joy or you’re a pro, knowing what to expect when you’re expecting can often feel overwhelming. Ochsner is here for you to help make your pregnancy a rewarding and stress-free experience. Whether you’re delivering in New Orleans, Baton Rouge or on the Bayou, you can expect the same expert care for you and your baby.