Tdap stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and what?

• A. Acellular Pertussis
• B. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis
• C. Acute Pertussis
• D. Pertussis Only

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that Tdap is a combination vaccine covering three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. The term “acellular” refers to the pertussis portion using purified components rather than the whole cell, which lowers side effects while still protecting against whooping cough. The three diseases are all included to provide comprehensive protection with one booster. The other options either omit one of the diseases or describe pertussis inaccurately (acute or single-disease), which is why they’re not correct.