Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can be very serious diseases. Two vaccines are available to protect people 7 years of age and older from these diseases:
Td ( Tetanus Diphtheria ) vaccine has been used for many years. It protects against tetanus and diphtheria.
Tdap ( Tetanus ,diphtheria, pertussis ) vaccine was licensed in 2005. It is the first vaccine for adolescents and adults that protects against pertussis as well as tetanus and diphtheria. All adults should get a booster dose of Td every 10 years. Adults under 65 who have never gotten Tdap should get a dose of Tdap as their next booster dose. Adults 65 and older may get one booster dose of Tdap.
Adults (including women who may become pregnant and adults 65 and older) who expect to have close contact with a baby younger than 12 months of age should get a dose of Tdap to help protect the baby from pertussis.
Healthcare professionals who have direct patient contact in hospitals or clinics should get one dose of Tdap. A person who gets a severe cut or burn might need a dose of Td or Tdap to prevent tetanus infection. Tdap should be used for anyone who has never had a dose previously. Td should be used if Tdap is not available, or for:
anybody who has already had a dose of Tdap,
children 7 through 9 years of age who completed the childhood DTaP series, or
adults 65 and older.
A Td booster dose is recommended every 10 years. Tdap is given only once.This vaccine is important to avoid…
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