Prevention: Adults

Español: Prevención: Adultos

Vaccine protection for pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria fades with time. Therefore, CDC recommends a single dose of Tdap for adults 19 or older who have not previously received a Tdap vaccine. CDC recommends adults receive a tetanus and diphtheria booster (called Td) every 10 years. The easiest thing for adults to do is to get Tdap one time instead of their next regular Td booster. You can get the dose of Tdap earlier than the 10-year mark. Being up-to-date with one dose of Tdap is especially important for adults who are around babies. Remember that even fully-vaccinated adults can get pertussis. If you are caring for babies, check with your healthcare professional about what’s best for your situation.

References

• CDC. Updated Recommendation for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine in Adults 65 Years and Older — Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2012. MMWR 2012;61(25):468–70.
• CDC. Updated Recommendations for the Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2010. MMWR 2011;60(01):13–15.
• CDC. Preventing Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Among Adults: Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccines. Recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Recommendation of ACIP, supported by the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), for the Use of Tdap Among Healthcare Personnel. MMWR 2006;55(RR17):1–33.

Resources for Adults

• Vaccine Information Statements (Td and Tdap)
• Pertussis Resources for Adults
• Adult Vaccines
• Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Quiz