As of November 1st 2020, the pertussis vaccine (as Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine) has become publicly funded for pregnant women/people. The OPTIMAL recommended time for Tdap vaccination is BETWEEN 27-32 weeks of pregnancy, although IF THIS WINDOW IS MISSED IN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, this vaccine can be offered after the first trimester and up until delivery.
Tdap vaccination is recommended with each pregnancy, regardless of the time elapsed since prior vaccination with Td or Tdap.
The Tdap vaccine is available from your usual source of publicly funded vaccines (e.g., your local public health unit), in 10-dose cartons, and is given as an intramuscular injection. Like all vaccines, it must be stored at 2-8
oC during transport and kept in a monitored fridge up until its administration. PRIMARY MATERNITY CARE PROVIDERS (family physicians, nurse practitioners, and midwives) AND most pharmacists in BC are able to offer Tdap immunization. See
www.bccdc.ca, including the
Immunization Manual and
Q & A for more information.