Committee Opinion No. 521

Abstract

In light of the recent increased incidence of pertussis in the United States, in 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approved recommendations for the use of the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) for pregnant women. Furthermore, the committee updated Tdap recommendations for special situations during pregnancy and for persons in contact with infants. The revised guidelines, which are based on a review of data on Tdap safety, immunogenicity, and barriers to receipt of Tdap, are designed to facilitate the use of Tdap to reduce the burden of disease and risk of transmission to infants. There is no evidence of adverse fetal effects from the vaccination of pregnant women with an inactivated virus, bacterial vaccine, or toxoid, and these should be administered if indicated. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Obstetric Practice supports the revised recommendations on the administration of Tdap during pregnancy.