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NCLEX · General

At which gestational age should a pregnant patient receive the Tdap vaccine?

Correct answer

Between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy — ideally the earlier part of this window

  1. A First trimester
  2. B Between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy — ideally the earlier part of this window
  3. C After delivery only
  4. D Only if not vaccinated in childhood

Why this is the answer

TDAP IN PREGNANCY: The ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommends Tdap between 27-36 weeks of every pregnancy, regardless of prior Tdap vaccination history. RATIONALE: Tdap given during pregnancy maximises maternal antibody transfer to the fetus — the newborn cannot receive their own DTaP until 2 months of age and is most vulnerable to pertussis in the first weeks of life; pertussis in newborns causes severe illness and can be fatal; maternal vaccination and cocooning (vaccinating household members and caregivers) are the primary strategies to protect newborns. LIVE VACCINES (MMR, Varicella) are CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy; INACTIVATED vaccines (Tdap, flu) are SAFE during pregnancy. The flu vaccine is also recommended during any trimester of pregnancy during flu season.
Source: NCLEX-PN, Tdap in Pregnancy

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