Tdap Safe After Tetanus-, Diphtheria-Containing Products

Children age 7 to 10 susceptible to pertussis and under-immunized should receive single Tdap dose

MONDAY, Sept. 26 (HealthDay News) -- The use of tetanus toxoid, reduced-content diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is safe, with no excess reactogenecity and no need for caution regarding Tdap use within any interval of a tetanus- or diphtheria-containing toxoid product, according to a policy statement published online Sept. 26 in Pediatrics.

Michael T. Brady, M.D., from the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, and colleagues reviewed available literature on Tdap immunogenecity and safety in order to update previous recommendations. Current epidemiology of pertussis was also considered among infants to recommend directions for using Tdap.

The investigators reported that the use of Tdap within a short interval after other tetanus- or diphtheria-containing toxoid products has no excess reactogenecity and has an excellent safety record, therefore the previous recommendation for caution regarding Tdap use within any interval after a tetanus- or diphtheria-containing toxoid product can be removed. The use of Tdap is recommended when indicated where there are no contraindications. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 years who are susceptible to pertussis and under-immunized with diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis are recommended to receive a single dose of Tdap. In addition, individuals aged 65 years and older who are in or are likely to be in close contact with infants younger than 12 months are recommended to receive Tdap.

"These findings support removal of any cautionary minimum interval regarding any tetanus toxoid- or diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine when Tdap is indicated," the authors write.

Abstract
Full Text

Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Powered by