When adolescents and adults are scheduled for their routine tetanus and diphtheria booster, should they get vaccinated with td or tdap?

Tdap, Usually: Unless there is a specific reason not to vaccinate against pertussis (whooping cough) such as a previous allergic reaction, tdap is preferred. Currently, people 65 and older can receive a dose of tdap, with boosters of td every 10 years.

Depends: Pertussis is making a comeback and the adults are the no-longer-immune reservoir. So if no tdap in a long time, get tdap. If had one w/in 15yrs, then td ok. No harm in going w/tdap and may help protect the "herd.".

Should be Tdap: We have experience a big surge in cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in recent years. We have also realized the immunity provided by acellular pertussis vaccine wears off in 5 years. Adolescents and adults including pregnant mothers certainly need to get tdap.