Either the Tdap or Td vaccine is an acceptable option for pertussis vaccination in most situations, recommended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
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In a unanimous 14-0 vote at the October meeting, based on the immunization schedule for persons aged 7 years and older.
Safety data showed no differences in safety concerns between Tdap and Td, including data from pregnant women, said Fiona Havers, MD, of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Atlanta.
Several of the ACIP members noted that the revised language to include both Tdap and Td reflects the increased use of Tdap and allows for maximum flexibility in clinical settings.
The revised language advises that booster doses of “either Td or Tdap” every 10 years throughout life are recommended for continued protection against tetanus and diphtheria. In addition, either Td or Tdap should be used if a tetanus toxoid–containing vaccine is indicated for prophylaxis in nonpregnant individuals.
For catch-up recommendations, which also apply to pregnant women, the committee approved the following wording for a series of three doses for individuals aged 7-18 years and 19 years and older who have never been vaccinated, that “the preferred schedule is a dose of Tdap (preferably the first dose), followed by either Tdap or Td at least 4 weeks afterward and another dose of either Td or Tdap 6-12 months later.” Individuals in these same age groups who are not fully vaccinated should receive one dose of Tdap, and a dose of either Td or Tdap if additional doses are needed.
The committee also voted unanimously 14-0 to accept the updated wording for pertussis vaccination in the Vaccines for Children program.
The ACIP members had no financial conflicts to disclose.