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Bordetella Pertussis Toxoid Vaccine, Inactivated

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

The Bordetella Pertussis Toxoid Vaccine, Inactivated is a vaccine designed to provide active immunization against pertussis (whooping cough), a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. This inactivated toxoid vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce protective antibodies without causing the disease. It is typically administered as part of routine childhood immunization schedules or in outbreak situations.

Quick summary

An inactivated vaccine that protects against pertussis (whooping cough) by stimulating the immune system to produce protective antibodies against Bordetella pertussis.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

RxNorm
1300186
Generic
Bordetella Pertussis Toxoid Vaccine, Inactivated
Class
pin-variant
Brands
Quadracel, Vaxelis, Infanrix, Daptacel, Boostrix, Adacel
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
—
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

pediatric (standard)intramuscular injection
Usual dose
0.5 mL
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
primary series at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months with booster at 4-6 years
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
adult (standard)intramuscular injection
Usual dose
0.5 mL
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
single dose as Tdap, then Td booster every 10 years
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)intramuscular injection
Usual dose
0.5 mL
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
single dose of Tdap if not previously received, then Td booster every 10 years
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Exceeds recommended single immunizing dose; may increase risk of severe systemic reactions
Chronic overdose: Repeated administration at intervals shorter than recommended may lead to cumulative immune-mediated adverse events
Immediate actions
Monitor vital signs, provide supportive care, document reaction, do not repeat dose
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is primary intervention; antihistamines and antipyretics may provide symptomatic relief)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

7 groups
✓

pregnancy

second third trimester
safe
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

standard_dose

Key Recommendations

ACIP recommends Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy, preferably between 27-36 weeks gestation to maximize passive antibody transfer to the fetus

Monitor

standard prenatal care

⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

standard_dose

Key Recommendations

vaccination may be administered if needed, but preferred timing is second/third trimester; defer if possible until recommended gestational window

Monitor

standard prenatal care

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

lactation

breastfeeding mothers
safe
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

standard_dose

Key Recommendations

Tdap vaccination is recommended for breastfeeding mothers who have not previously received Tdap during current pregnancy; safe to administer while breastfeeding

Monitor

none required beyond standard

✓

pediatric_age

infants 2 months to 7 years
safe
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

standard_dose

Key Recommendations

DTaP vaccine recommended for primary series at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months with booster at 4-6 years; acellular pertussis component is well-tolerated

Monitor

standard pediatric immunization monitoring

✓

geriatric

65 years and older
safe
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

standard_dose

Key Recommendations

CDC recommends one dose of Tdap if not previously received, followed by Td or Tdap booster every 10 years; particularly important for grandparents and caregivers of infants

Monitor

standard post-vaccination observation

✓

renal_impairment

all stages
safe
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

standard_dose

Key Recommendations

vaccine may be administered at standard dosing; no dosage adjustment necessary for any stage of renal impairment including dialysis patients

Monitor

standard vaccination monitoring

✓

hepatic_impairment

all stages
safe
FDA Category
B
Dose Adjustment

standard_dose

Key Recommendations

vaccine may be administered at standard dosing; no dosage adjustment necessary for any stage of hepatic impairment including cirrhosis

Monitor

standard vaccination monitoring

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1990s

First acellular pertussis vaccine approval in the United States

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Acellular Pertussis Vaccine

Vaccine classification for pertussis prevention

usageCDC
2023

Common uses

Value:Prevention of Bordetella pertussis infection (whooping cough)

Primary indication for pertussis-containing vaccines

populationWHO
2023

Target population

Value:Infants, children, adolescents, and adults

Recommended age groups for vaccination

Prevention of pertussis (whooping cough) caused by Bordetella pertussis infection. Used in routine childhood immunization and for post-exposure prophylaxis in outbreak situations.

Contains inactivated pertussis toxoid that stimulates the immune system to produce neutralizing antibodies against the pertussis toxin, providing active immunity without causing disease.

Administered via intramuscular injection. Common side effects include injection site reactions, mild fever, and fussiness. Contraindicated in individuals with severe allergic reactions to previous doses. Not a substitute for treatment of active infection.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy