Expanded use of Tdap – ACIP Recommendations

In October 2010, ACIP recommended expanded use of Tdap. This report provides the updated recommendations, summarizes the safety and effectiveness data considered by ACIP, and provides guidance for implementing the recommendations.

Updated Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2010 [CDC]

Specific recommendations in the updated guidelines include the following:

• A single dose of Tdap should be given routinely to adults aged 19 through 64 years and also to adolescents aged 11 through 18 years who completed the recommended childhood diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis/diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTP/DTaP) vaccination series.
• Tdap should preferably be given to adolescents at their 11- to 12-year-old preventive healthcare visit.
• Tdap can be given regardless of the time elapsed since the last vaccine containing tetanus toxoid or diphtheria toxoid.
• Tdap should be given to adults 65 years or older who are or who anticipate being in close contact with an infant younger than 12 months. A single dose of Tdap may also be given to other adults 65 years or older.
• A single dose of Tdap should be given to children aged 7 through 10 years who are not fully vaccinated against pertussis (5 doses of DTaP or 4 doses of DTaP if the fourth dose was given on or after the fourth birthday), provided they have no contraindication to pertussis vaccine.
• Children aged 7 through 10 years who were never vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis, or who have unknown vaccination status, should receive a series of 3 vaccinations containing tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, with Tdap as the first of these 3 doses.

ACIP Updates Guidelines for Use of Tdap Vaccine [Medscape]