In yet another large study, investigators examined birth data to determine if there was any association with Tdap vaccine given during pregnancy and any birth defects, including microcephaly (which has risen presumably due to Zika virus). In over 325,000 births from six states, there was no association between Tdap vaccine at any time during pregnancy and any type of structural birth defect, including microcephaly.
Use of the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy continues to prove to be safe and effective at preventing whooping cough in infants. It has been recommended in unvaccinated women during pregnancy since 2011, and during every pregnancy regardless of vaccination status since 2012. However, in many areas (including my own), many pregnant women are uninformed about this recommendation.
DeSilva M, Vazquez-Benitez G, Nordin JD, Lipkind HS, Romitti PA, DeStefano F, Kharbanda EO. Tdap Vaccination During Pregnancy and Microcephaly and Other Structural Birth Defects in Offspring. JAMA. 2016;316(17):1823-1825. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.14432
