Indications
- Complete vaccine series is indicated for older adults with uncertain vaccine history or with fewer than 3 recorded doses.
- ACIP recommends that all adults aged 19 years and older who have not yet received a dose of Tdap should receive a single dose. Tdap should be administered regardless of interval since last tetanus or diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine. After receipt of Tdap, persons should continue to receive Td or Tdap for routine booster immunization against tetanus and diphtheria, according to previously published guidelines.
Contraindications and Precautions
- Prior anaphylaxis with Td vaccine; acute illness
Vaccine Dosing and Administration
- Td: Primary: 3 doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid; 1st 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart, 3rd dose 6–12 months later; boosters at 10-year intervals; more often with high-risk injuries (burns, puncture wounds, extensive soft tissue injury)
- Tdap: one time dose
Talking Points with Patients
- There are two types of vaccine that offer protection from two potentially deadly bacterial infections.
- One type is called TD. TD protects from the diseases, tetanus and diphtheria.
- The second type is called Tdap. Tdap protects from tetanus, diphtheria, and another disease named pertussis (also called “whooping cough”).
- Everyone should get a one-time dose of the Tdap vaccine if you are 65 or older and have not had the Tdap vaccine previously.
- This will help reduce spreading whooping cough to others, such as the patient’s grandchildren.