Tdap Vaccine in Singapore: Protecting Against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
In a world where preventable diseases still pose real risks, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to safeguard our health. The Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is a critical immunisation that protects against three potentially serious bacterial infections.
In Singapore, where healthcare standards are high and public health is a shared commitment, vaccinations such as the Tdap vaccine are encouraged as part of routine preventive care. By staying up to date, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the collective well-being of the community, especially those who are more vulnerable, such as infants and the elderly.
Understanding the value of the Tdap vaccine begins with knowing what it protects us from.
What is the Tdap vaccine?
The Tdap vaccine is a single injection that protects against three bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough.
Here’s a closer look at each:
1. Tetanus (Lockjaw)
What it is: A serious disease caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, which affects the nervous system. In the Tdap vaccine, protection is provided using a tetanus toxoid, a harmless form of the toxin that trains your immune system to recognise and fight the disease without causing harm.
How you can catch it: Through wounds, cuts, or punctures exposed to contaminated surfaces, particularly rusty metal or soil.
Tetanus Symptoms: Jaw stiffness, painful muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing, and seizures.
Impact: Tetanus is not spread from person to person, but it can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
2. Diphtheria
What it is: A bacterial infection of the throat and nose caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The Tdap vaccine uses a reduced diphtheria toxoid, meaning it includes a smaller, safe dose of the inactivated toxin, which is sufficient to trigger immunity in older children and adults.
How you can catch it: Spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Diphtheria Symptoms: Sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and a thick grey coating in the throat or nose.
Impact: Can cause breathing difficulties, heart failure, paralysis, or death, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
3. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
What it is: A highly contagious respiratory disease that causes severe coughing fits. The Tdap vaccine includes an acellular pertussis component, meaning it contains purified parts of the bacteria instead of the whole cell, which helps reduce side effects while still offering strong protection.
How you can catch it: Passed from person to person through droplets in the air.
Whooping Cough Symptoms: Intense coughing, vomiting after coughing, and the characteristic “whooping” sound when inhaling.
Impact: Particularly dangerous for babies and the elderly, who may develop pneumonia or require hospitalisation.
Why is it important to get vaccinated?
Although less common now, these diseases still appear from time to time. Whooping cough outbreaks, for example, have occurred in developed countries in recent years. These illnesses can have serious consequences, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.
The Tdap vaccine helps to:
- Prevent serious illness and long-term complications
- Reduce the risk of hospitalisation
- Protect those who are most at risk, including babies and older adults
- Strengthen community immunity
The Tdap vaccine offers a simple yet highly effective layer of protection against these threats. With just one shot, you safeguard yourself and help prevent the spread of infection within the community.
Who should get the Tdap vaccine?
The Tdap vaccine is recommended for many individuals at different stages of life:
- Adults and adolescents who have never received a Tdap booster in the past
- Pregnant women, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, to pass on protection to their newborns
- Healthcare workers and individuals in regular contact with children, such as educators and caregivers
- Caregivers of infants, to reduce the risk of passing pertussis (whooping cough) to babies
- Travellers to countries with limited healthcare access or where tetanus and diphtheria are still prevalent, especially if engaging in outdoor or humanitarian work
- Older adults who require a tetanus booster as part of routine health maintenance
(Source: HealthHub Tdap Vaccine Information)
If you are unsure whether the vaccine is right for you, speak to our doctor, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or a complex health history.
Tdap vs DTaP: Understanding the difference
Children in Singapore typically receive the DTaP vaccine, which contains higher concentrations of diphtheria and pertussis components. The Tdap vaccine is used later in life as a booster to maintain immunity.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Vaccine | Age Group | Use |
|---|---|---|
| DTaP | Children under 7 | Primary immunisation series |
| Tdap | Age 7 and above | Booster to maintain protection into adolescence and adulthood |
Tdap vaccine recommendations in Singapore:
In line with Singapore’s public health initiatives, the Ministry of Health (MOH) advises:
- A Tdap jab during every pregnancy, to protect infants in their earliest months
- Regular adult boosters, especially if tetanus immunity has lapsed
- Booster shots every 10 years, with Tdap being a suitable and efficient option
For more guidance, you can refer to HealthHub.
When & how often should you get vaccinated?
Your Tdap vaccination needs can vary depending on your age, health status, and life circumstances. Staying protected with the Tdap vaccine is straightforward and doesn’t require frequent doses.
Recommended Schedule
- One-time dose for adults who have never received it
- During each pregnancy to protect both mother and infant
- Tetanus boosters every 10 years, with Tdap being a suitable option
- If you are travelling: Aim to receive the Tdap vaccine at least 2 weeks before your departure to high-risk areas. This ensures your body has sufficient time to build immunity against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, particularly if you’ll be visiting locations where these diseases are more common or where medical care may be limited.
If you're uncertain about your vaccination history, your healthcare provider can advise whether a booster is needed.
What to expect during & after the vaccination
Being prepared helps ensure a smooth experience. Here’s how you can prepare before going for the vaccination.
- Bring along any available vaccination records
- Inform your doctor of allergies or previous vaccine reactions
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm
When you arrive for your Tdap vaccination,
- a nurse or doctor will review your medical history and ask about any allergies or previous reactions to vaccines.
- After confirming that it’s safe to proceed, the vaccine will be administered as a quick injection into the upper arm muscle, typically the deltoid.
- The procedure takes only a few seconds and is usually well-tolerated.
- You may be asked to wait for 15 minutes after the injection for observation, especially if you’ve had allergic reactions to vaccines in the past.
Common side effects:
While side effects are usually mild, it's helpful to know what to expect:
- Redness or soreness at the injection site
- Low-grade fever or general fatigue
- Occasional headache or mild discomfort
These effects typically subside within a day or two and are far outweighed by the protection the vaccine provides.
Where can I get the Tdap vaccine in Singapore?
Wondering where to get the Tdap vaccine in Singapore?
It’s widely available across various healthcare settings, making it convenient to fit into your schedule:
- General practitioner (GP) clinics
- Polyclinics
- Private medical centres
You can also visit any Healthway Medical GP clinic located across the island. Our doctors are ready to guide you through the process and make it a comfortable experience.
Schedule your Tdap vaccine
Taking charge of your health has never been easier. Speak to our GP and make Tdap vaccination part of your wellness journey.
A single jab can make a world of difference.
Schedule your Tdap Vaccination Today
