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In the June issue, the article "Pertussis on the Rise" (Emerging Infections) stated that "Adults ages 20 and older should receive a booster dose of Tdap vaccine every 10 years and possibly more often." In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://1.usa.gov/edOOqc) recommends that all adults (19 to 64 years) substitute one dose of Tdap vaccine for one Td booster dose, then continue to receive a Td booster every 10 years. This one-time Tdap dose can be given "regardless of interval"-less than 10 years-since the last Td vaccine. Adults ages 65 and older may also substitute the Tdap vaccine for one Td booster dose, and should do so if they have close contact with an infant younger than 12 months.

 

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Zastrow RL. Pertussis on the rise. Am J Nurs 2011; 111(6):51-6.