infectious diseases
Tetanus Diphtheria Vaccine
Indications for Tetanus Diphtheria Vaccine
Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) or Tdap boosters are given routinely every 10 years after the Tdap booster is given at age 11 to 12 years. Patients who have not received or completed a primary vaccination series of at least 3 doses of tetanus and diphtheria vaccine should begin or complete the series. (See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by AgeandAdult Immunization Schedule by Age.) Patients who have a wound that poses an increased risk of tetanus (see table) should be given a Td or Tdap booster if ≥ 5 years have elapsed since the previous dose. One dose of Tdap should be substituted for a Td booster if adults have never received Tdap. Pregnant women should receive 1 dose of Tdap duringeachpregnancy, irrespective of their history of receiving the vaccine. Tdap should be administered at 27 to 36 weeks gestation, preferably during the earlier part of this period, although it may be administered at any time during pregnancy. 