Tdap or Td vaccine may be used for decennial Td booster doses

(HealthDay)—Either tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine or tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine may be used for Td booster doses every 10 years or when indicated for tetanus prophylaxis in wound management, according to research published in the Jan. 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Fiona P. Havers, M.D., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues present the updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) relating to the use of Tdap vaccines.

The researchers note that in cases where previously only Td was recommended, ACIP updated the recommendations to allow use of either Td or Tdap. Use of Td or Tdap is allowed for decennial booster doses, for tetanus prophylaxis in wound management in persons who had previously received Tdap, and for multiple doses in the catch-up immunization schedule for those aged ≥7 years whose vaccination history is incomplete or unknown. Provider point-of-care flexibility was increased by allowing Tdap or Td to be used in situations where Td only was previously recommended.

"ACIP will continue to review data on Td and Tdap as they become available, examine the necessity and frequency of booster doses for protection against tetanus and diphtheria, and consider any needed policy changes," the authors write.

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