Most colleges require that students have received a handful of vaccinations prior to attending class. Before COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, TDaP was—and remains—a common requirement.
In this Q & A, we explain what the vaccine protects against, who is at risk, and why vaccination is an important component in creating a safer, healthier campus.
What does the TDaP vaccine protect against?
The vaccine protects you against tetanus (T), diphtheria (D), and pertussis (aP).
It is the pertussis that is a particular challenge in New England—and throughout the northern United States in general—especially in the winter. Commonly known as whooping cough, pertussis begins by sounding like a chest cold, but it doesn’t stop after a week. In some, the cough can last for as long as three months. Those with severe cases can cough so hard they vomit or even crack a rib.
Why do colleges recommend this to students?
College students, especially in their first year, are often living in a congregate setting for the first time. This is a living situation in which many people reside who are not related.
Pertussis can spread quite easily indoors in this type of setting—especially in the cold weather. That is one of the reasons why Massachusetts, not just Harvard University, requires it for college students.
Remember, this is not just students who are living together. The community includes residential staff, teaching staff or employees, and the faculty who are in close proximity to residential life staff.
Are college students at an increased risk of a severe case of pertussis?
While contracting pertussis is not a pleasant experience for anyone, babies are at particular risk for a severe illness. While infants are not a majority group on campus, our community includes their parents, caregivers, and distant relatives. Pertussis is quite contagious and spreads around a lot when the weather’s cold. Anyone in contact with young people, young families, and infants should be protected.
I recently received a tetanus shot. Is that the same thing as TDaP?
No, the tetanus shot only protects you against an infection caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. So, if you have just a tetanus shot, you are missing pertussis protection. Fortunately, there is no harm in getting revaccinated with TDaP—even if you had a tetanus shot the day before. Your arm may be sore, but that is a common symptom following any vaccination.