What is true about the administration of the Tdap vaccine?

The administration of the Tdap vaccine is particularly important during pregnancy, and the recommendation to administer it during every pregnancy is grounded in public health guidelines aimed at protecting both the mother and the newborn. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, the latter being especially crucial since pertussis can be life-threatening for infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

For optimal protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the Tdap vaccine be administered during the third trimester of each pregnancy—ideally between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. This timing helps to maximize the transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus, which enhances the immunity of the newborn against pertussis during their first few months of life.

Highlighting this practice reflects an understanding of how vaccination strategies can guide public health efforts to decrease the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. The emphasis on administering Tdap during every pregnancy is rooted in the recognition that immunity, particularly to pertussis, may wane over time, and that infants are most vulnerable.

In contrast, the other options present limiting scenarios that do not align with current clinical recommendations or public health goals associated with the Tdap vaccine.