What is the Adacel vaccine age range?

Adacel is FDA approved for people ages 10 through 64 years old. Talk to a primary care provider or another healthcare professional about [when to get it](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/vaccines/how-often-do-you-need-a-tetanus-shot). The [American Academy of Pediatrics](https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf) says children should get it at 11 to 12 years old. [Adults](https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/immunizations-vaccines/immunization-schedules/adult-immunization-schedule.html) who haven't had a Tdap shot during adulthood should get Adacel and then get a booster every 10 years. [Medical experts](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-tdap-vaccine-and-pregnancy) also recommend it during every pregnancy. You might also need it after certain injuries, like a deep cut or puncture wound. Ask a primary care provider or a healthcare professional if you're not sure whether you need Adacel.

What is in Adacel vaccine?

Adacel contains inactivated (killed) forms of the bacteria that cause tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). They cause your body's immune system to [make antibodies](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/vaccines/what-are-vaccines-made-of) against them. This prepares your body to fight the bacteria if you get exposed and helps protect you. The vaccine also has [other ingredients](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/common-ingredients-fda-approved-vaccines). One helps your immune system respond better and help make the vaccine work better. There's also a preservative and very small amounts of leftover ingredients from the vaccine-making process. Ask your pharmacist or primary care provider if you have questions about [what's in Adacel](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=a41b7601-34f2-4a88-a406-f53011fb7de1&type=display#section-9).

Is Adacel an mRNA vaccine?

No, Adacel isn't an [mRNA vaccine](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/mrna). It's a different type of vaccine called an [inactivated vaccine](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/vaccines/how-vaccines-work#types-of-vaccines). It contains inactive (killed) parts of the bacteria that cause tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). These inactive parts cause your immune system to make antibodies for protection.

How long does Adacel last?

The protection from Adacel lasts about [10 years](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2532581/) after you get your shot. To stay protected, adults are recommended to get a booster shot [every 10 years](https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/immunizations-vaccines/immunization-schedules/adult-immunization-schedule.html). But there are cases where some people might need another Adacel shot sooner, such as pregnancy or after getting a puncture wound. Ask a healthcare professional if you have questions.

Can you get the Adacel vaccine during pregnancy?

Yes. Adacel is FDA approved to be given during the third trimester of every pregnancy. The [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists](https://www.acog.org/clinical-information/physician-faqs/tetanus-diphtheria-and-pertussis) recommends getting it between weeks 27 and 36. When you get Adacel during pregnancy, your body makes protective antibodies and passes them to your baby. This helps [protect](https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/tdap-vaccination-during-pregnancy.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/pregnant/mom/get-vaccinated.html) your newborn from [whooping cough](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/cough/whooping-cough) during their first 2 months of life (when they're at the highest risk). Ask your obstetrician if you have questions about getting Adacel during pregnancy.

Can you give Adacel to someone over 65 years old?

Adacel isn't approved for people over 65 years old. It's only for people ages 10 to under 65 years old. In studies, people over 65 [didn't respond as well](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=a41b7601-34f2-4a88-a406-f53011fb7de1&type=display#section-8.4) to Adacel as younger people. So if someone 65 years or older needs a Tdap vaccine, it's recommended they get [Boostrix](https://www.goodrx.com/boostrix/what-is) instead. Boostrix is approved for everyone 10 years and older.

Adacel

Tdap vaccine

Used for Bacterial Infection

Adacel is a Tdap vaccine for people ages 10 to under 65 years old. It protects you from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (also known as whooping cough). It's also approved for people in their third trimester of pregnancy to help protect the newborn baby from whooping cough. Adacel is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare professional. Side effects from the shot include pain at the injection site, headache, and tiredness.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on March 13, 2026

What is Adacel?

What is Adacel used for?

Prevention of:
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis (also known as whooping cough)

How Adacel works

Adacel is a type of vaccine called an inactivated vaccine. It helps protect you against infection from three bacteria that cause different conditions: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies against the bacteria. The antibodies then can attack and protect you from the bacteria if you ever get exposed to them.

Are you looking for information on Boostrix (Tdap vaccine) instead?

When does Adacel start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

Full effect

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Adacel
Drug Class	Vaccine
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Adacel

Drug Class

Vaccine

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Adacel

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Pain at injection site (up to 78%)
Headache (up to 44%)
Tiredness (up to 30%)
Body ache or muscle weakness (up to 30%)
Swelling at injection site (21%)
Chills (up to 15%)

Less Common Side Effects

Redness at injection site
Sore or swollen joints
Muscle pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rash
Fever

Adacel serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain

When do Adacel possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site

Headache

Muscle pain

Source: DailyMed

The following Adacel side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Feeling faint or lightheaded

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Chills
Fever
General discomfort and fatigue
Headache
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

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Pros and cons of Adacel

Pros

Works well to protect you from tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough
Okay to get other vaccines at the same time

Cons

Can cause headache and injection-site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling)
Not approved for people ages 65 years and older

Pharmacist tips for Adacel

Before you get Adacel, tell the healthcare professional who's giving it to you about your medical conditions and medications. They can make sure the vaccine is okay for you to get. Some health issues and medications can weaken your immune system and affect how well the vaccine can protect you. If you have a brain problem, some side effects from Adacel might look like your condition is getting worse.
If you have a high fever or feel very sick on the day of your Adacel shot, ask a healthcare professional if you should wait to get it. Your body can build stronger protection when you feel better. If you only have a mild illness, like a cold or low fever, you can still get Adacel.
Adacel is injected into the shoulder muscle. After the injection, it can feel sore, get red, or swell a little. These reactions are usually mild. They can happen a few hours after you get the shot and typically go away in a couple days. You can place a cool compress over the area and gently move your arm to help feel better.
If you have a serious or severe reaction to Adacel, tell your care team. You can also report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS).
Read the vaccine information statement for more information on Adacel.

Common questions about Adacel

Adacel is FDA approved for people ages 10 through 64 years old. Talk to a primary care provider or another healthcare professional about when to get it. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children should get it at 11 to 12 years old. Adults who haven't had a Tdap shot during adulthood should get Adacel and then get a booster every 10 years. Medical experts also recommend it during every pregnancy. You might also need it after certain injuries, like a deep cut or puncture wound. Ask a primary care provider or a healthcare professional if you're not sure whether you need Adacel.

Adacel contains inactivated (killed) forms of the bacteria that cause tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). They cause your body's immune system to make antibodies against them. This prepares your body to fight the bacteria if you get exposed and helps protect you. The vaccine also has other ingredients. One helps your immune system respond better and help make the vaccine work better. There's also a preservative and very small amounts of leftover ingredients from the vaccine-making process. Ask your pharmacist or primary care provider if you have questions about what's in Adacel.

No, Adacel isn't an mRNA vaccine. It's a different type of vaccine called an inactivated vaccine. It contains inactive (killed) parts of the bacteria that cause tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). These inactive parts cause your immune system to make antibodies for protection.

The protection from Adacel lasts about 10 years after you get your shot. To stay protected, adults are recommended to get a booster shot every 10 years. But there are cases where some people might need another Adacel shot sooner, such as pregnancy or after getting a puncture wound. Ask a healthcare professional if you have questions.

No, Adacel is not for polio. It's for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), or Tdap. Ask your primary care provider or another healthcare professional about vaccines for polio. Some vaccines can protect against both Tdap and polio, or polio and other infections, at the same time. The healthcare professional can help guide you to the right vaccine for you.

Yes. Adacel is FDA approved to be given during the third trimester of every pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends getting it between weeks 27 and 36. When you get Adacel during pregnancy, your body makes protective antibodies and passes them to your baby. This helps protect your newborn from whooping cough during their first 2 months of life (when they're at the highest risk). Ask your obstetrician if you have questions about getting Adacel during pregnancy.

Adacel isn't approved for people over 65 years old. It's only for people ages 10 to under 65 years old. In studies, people over 65 didn't respond as well to Adacel as younger people. So if someone 65 years or older needs a Tdap vaccine, it's recommended they get Boostrix instead. Boostrix is approved for everyone 10 years and older.

Adacel and Boostrix are both Tdap vaccines. They both work well to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). But Adacel is approved for people ages 10 through 64 years old. And Boostrix is for everyone ages 10 years and older. The two vaccines are also made a little bit differently from each other. Talk to a healthcare professional to compare more between Adacel and Boostrix.

Risks and warnings for Adacel

Adacel can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Severe allergic reactions

Risk factors: Allergic reaction to other vaccines

There's a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction after getting Adacel. The healthcare professional might ask you to stay for a short time after to make sure you feel okay. They can get you medical care if a serious allergic reaction happens.

Sometimes, allergic reactions can happen after you go home. Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction. This can include swelling of the face, throat tightness, trouble breathing, hives, rash, dizziness, nausea, or chest pain.

If you've had a rare reaction called an Arthus reaction after a tetanus vaccine, you should wait at least 10 years before getting another Adacel shot.

Guillain-Barré syndrome and other nerve problems

Risk factors: Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving any tetanus vaccine

In very rare cases, some people have had nerve problems like Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after getting Adacel. This can cause nerve damage and lead to pain, muscle weakness, or even trouble moving parts of the body. Tell your primary care provider right away if you notice these symptoms after getting the vaccine.

If you had GBS within 6 weeks of getting a tetanus vaccine in the past, your risk might be higher with another dose. Before getting Adacel, tell the healthcare professional if this has happened to you. They can make sure it's safe for you.

Lower response to Adacel for people with a weakened immune system

Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system

Adacel might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. They could still be at high risk of tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, even after getting the vaccine.

Tell your primary care provider or healthcare professional about your conditions and medications. Some health problems can weaken your immune system. This can include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or cancer. Also, some medications can lower how well the immune system works. Examples are high-dose steroids and transplant medications. If this applies to you, talk to your primary care provider about staying protected.

Fainting

Risk factors: Fainting after receiving vaccines in the past

Some people might faint after getting injectable vaccines, such as Adacel. Signs that you might faint include blurry vision or feeling dizzy, sweaty, clammy, or weak. Tell the healthcare professional if you've fainted after getting vaccines. They can watch you closely while giving you the vaccine and right after.

Adacel dosage

The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.5ml of Adacel is $56.89 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 29.46% off the average retail price of $80.65.

Syringe

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
0.5ml	1 syringe	$56.89	$56.89

Vial

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
0.5ml	1 vial	$55.99	$55.99

Typical dosage for Adacel

The typical dose is 1 injection into the upper arm muscle near your shoulder. It's given by a trained healthcare professional at a medical office, clinic, or pharmacy.

Talk to a primary care provider or healthcare professional about when to get vaccinated with Adacel.

Notes:

The first time Adacel is given should be at least 5 years after the last dose of the DTaP vaccine series or the Td vaccine.
If you need an additional dose of Adacel, you should get it at least 8 years after your first dose.
For preventing tetanus after getting a wound: An extra Adacel shot can be given if it's been at least 5 years since receiving another tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine.

How much does Adacel cost?

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Adacel (brand)

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Adacel contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Adacel will not be safe for you to take.

Allergy to any tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis-containing vaccine (including DT, Td, and DTaP)
Having brain problems within 7 days of a previous dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine. These problems can include confusion, memory loss, coma, seizures, or being less alert than usual.