Why is it important for adolescents and adults to get Tdap?
Even people who have had the disease or were fully vaccinated as children may be at risk of contracting pertussis. Studies have shown that immunity to pertussis begins to wane five to ten years after the last vaccination. Pertussis is around, so people who are not protected, for whatever reason, can and do get it. The most severe complications are usually found in children, although it is estimated that 600,000 to 900,000 adolescents and adults get pertussis every year. Not only do they suffer, but they can also infect unprotected children with whom they have contact.
