Can the antibodies from a previous Tdap vaccine be transferred to the baby through breastfeeding?

Question

Hello doctor,

Two months back, I gave birth to my second baby. Three years ago, I took Tdap vaccine during my first pregnancy. So I am worried if my baby can get antibodies due to my vaccine.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO (World Health Organization), and all major countries' schedule suggests immunization of pregnant women with a single dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine during the third trimester regardless of the number of years from prior Td or Tdap vaccination. The optimal timing is between 27 and 36 weeks to produce maximum maternal antibody response and passive antibody transfer to the infant. However, if Tdap is administered earlier in pregnancy, it should not be repeated between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Whooping cough can decrease the antibodies in your body with time. That is why getting a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy is recommended, even if your pregnancies are occurring nearby. This allows each baby to get the most significant number of protective antibodies.

It appears that you did not get a Tdap vaccine during this pregnancy; however, you can take it even after your baby is born. It takes approximately two weeks for your body to develop antibodies in response to the vaccine. Therefore, there are fewer chances of your newborn getting whooping cough from you. But, as you have already received it before, in the last pregnancy, you may have had some residual antibodies ( though not optimal), which you may have transferred passively to this baby.

Also, this baby is expected to receive the DTaP vaccine. The first dose is given at two months, the second at four months, the third at six months, the fourth at 15 to 18 months, and the fifth at four to six years. DTaP is followed by one dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). Infants and children are given DT as they should not receive acellular pertussis-containing vaccines.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest you get a tdap vaccine now, as it will take at least two weeks to reach an optimal antibody level and protect you from diseases like pertussis. You may also have a few antibodies left from your previous vaccine that will get boosted up. Also, as your baby has taken his first shot, it will add to the protection.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.