The New Tetanus Booster:  Boostrix- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis

A single dose of an adolescent preparation of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular petussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended for 11- to 12-year-olds, provided they have not received a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster dose, and for adolescents 13 to 18 years of age who missed the 11- to 12-year-old Td or Tdap booster dose.

Why get vaccinated?

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine can protect adolescents against three serious diseases.

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are all caused by bacteria.  Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person.  Tetanus enters the body from cuts or wounds.

Diphtheria

• Diptheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat.
• It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.

Tetanus (Lockjaw)

• Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body.
• It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the preson cannot open his mouth or swallow.
• Tetanus can lead to death.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• Pertussis causes coughing spells so bad that it is hard for infants to eat, drink, or breathe. These can last for weeks.
• It can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or even death.

Tdap and related vaccines

Vaccines for children younger than 7 years

• DTaP vaccine is given to children to protect them from these three diseases.  But immunity can fade over time, and periodic "booster" doses are needed by adolescents and adults to keep immunity strong.  (DTP is an older version of DTaP.  It is no longer used in the United States.
• DT contains diphtheria and tetanus vaccines.  It is used for children younger than 7 who should not get pertussis vaccine.

Vaccines for adolescents and adults

• TD (tetanus and diphtheria ) vaccine us used  for booster doses for adolescents and adults.  It does not contain pertussis vaccine.
• Tdap was licensed in 2005.  It is the first vaccine for adults and adolescents that protects against all three diseases.

Who Should Get the vaccine?

Adolescents 11 through 18 years of age should get one booster dose of Tdap. 

A dose of Tdap is recommended for adolescents who have gotten DTaP or DTP as children but have not gotten a dose of Td,  The preferred age is 11-12.

Adolescents who have already gotten a booster dose of Td are encouraged to get a booster dose of Tdap as well for protection against pertussis.

Risks from the vaccine

Mild

• Pain (7 in 10)
• Redness or swelling (1in 5)
• Fever (1 in 10)
• Headache (4 in 10)
• Tiredness (1 in 3)
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (1 in 5)

Moderate

• Severe pain at injection site (1 in 20)
• Severe redness or swelling (1 in 16)
• Fever over 102 (1 in 100)

Severe

• None found among adolescents although severe allergic reaction could occur after any vaccine