Someone told me I should get my tetanus booster while pregnant and I’m anxious about it.
Can anyone reassure me about this - is it safe? (Do I really need it?)
Thanks! 
Hi!
I know this post is a bit older - sorry to see no one had replied! It’s a great question, and probably something a lot of expectant parents are wondering about!
Regarding the TDaP booster during pregnancy, it’s recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks. The primary goal of this vaccine is to protect your baby, not you. Many pregnant individuals have already been vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) through their routine immunizations and have their own immunity. However, newborns are not yet protected and are especially vulnerable to pertussis before they begin their routine vaccination series at around 2 months of age.
Getting a booster vaccine during the recommended window allows your immune system to produce high levels of antibodies that can cross the placenta. These provide your baby with passive immunity against whooping cough during the first few months of life (when they’re at greatest risk!).
The TDaP vaccine is safe during pregnancy and recommended regardless of when you last received it. It’s important that you have an individualized discussion with your care provider regarding vaccination.
For more information, here is a patient handout by the Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada: https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MCC_11776_Pertussis_WhoopingCough_QAInfographic_PRESS.pdf