AAFP Provisional Recommendations for use of Tdap AND guidance on use of Tdap for adults aged 65 years and older

Board Chair Approved: March 28, 2012

The American Academy of Family Physicians has adopted the provisional recommendations for the Use of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) which is consistent with that of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on immunizations. The provisional recommendation of the ACIP is located on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/provisional/Tdap-feb2012.htm

The Tdap provisional recommendations are:

* For adults aged 19 years and older who previously have not received a dose of Tdap, a single dose of Tdap should be given.

* Tdap should be administered regardless of interval since the last tetanus or diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.

* Adults should receive a Tdap dose if the dose is recommended and no record of previous administration exists.

Guidance on use of Tdap products for adults aged 65 years and older:

* Providers should not miss an opportunity to vaccinate persons aged 65 years and older with Tdap, and may administer the vaccine that they have available.

* When feasible, for adults aged 65 years and older, Boostrix should be used; however, either vaccine product administered to a person aged 65 years and older provides protection and is considered valid.