A 21-year-old member asked:
When adolescents and adults are scheduled for their routine tetanus and diphtheria booster, should they get vaccinated with td or tdap?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Katzanswered
Pediatrics 26 years experience
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.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 24 years experience
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.".
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Jay Parkanswered
Pediatrics 50 years experience
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.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Dec 30, 2016
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