Boostrix is a brand-name vaccine that’s prescribed to help prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It contains the active ingredient tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine. Boostrix is safe to receive during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Boostrix. For a comprehensive look at Boostrix, see this article.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Boostrix is a safe choice for you.

Boostrix isn’t known to have harmful effects when you get the vaccine during pregnancy. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a Tdap vaccine, such as Boostrix, during Weeks 27 to 36 of each pregnancy you have. This helps protect your baby from contracting pertussis (whooping cough) in the first weeks after birth.

Newborns who contract pertussis will likely need hospital treatment. And in some cases, pertussis in newborns can lead to death. But newborns can’t get their first vaccine against this disease until they’re 2 months old.

Having a Tdap vaccine, such as Boostrix, in the third trimester of your pregnancy causes your body to make antibodies against pertussis. (Antibodies are immune system proteins that help fight infection.) During pregnancy, the antibodies pass to the fetus, helping protect them from pertussis after they’re born.

If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the best time to have Boostrix or a different Tdap vaccine.

Boostrix pregnancy registry

A pregnancy registry is available for Boostrix. Pregnancy registries collect data about how drugs affect people and their fetuses during pregnancy. Based on information collected since 2005, this registry hasn’t found any harmful effects linked to receiving Boostrix during pregnancy.

If you receive the Boostrix vaccine while pregnant, talk with your doctor about enrolling in the registry. You can also call 888-452-9622 or visit the registry website to learn more.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Boostrix may affect you and your child.

Boostrix isn’t known to be harmful if you get the vaccine while breastfeeding. The CDC recommends that you get a Tdap vaccine, such as Boostrix, if you’re currently breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It’s not known whether the vaccine ingredients pass into breast milk. But some of the antibodies your body makes in response to the vaccine will pass into your breast milk and can help protect your child.

It’s still best to get a Tdap vaccine during your pregnancy because this protects your child from pertussis after birth.

If you have questions about Boostrix or a different Tdap vaccine, given your breastfeeding plans, talk with your doctor.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.