Why is DTaP not accepted for the Tdap credential requirement?Although they all look very similar, DTaP, Tdap, and Td vaccines are quite different. DTaP is only approved for children under age 7. It is specifically designed to build immunity in the very young and it is not designed for adults. Unfortunately, for financial reasons many physicians only stock DTaP in their offices and will often give it to adults who request a Tdap. If your physician does not have a Tdap vaccine, you may need to stop by a local pharmacy or health department to make sure you are receiving the correct vaccination.Td does not contain pertussis. Originally, only the tetanus and diphtheria required a booster at ten years. However, when it was discovered the pertussis immunity also wears off, the Tdap was created to include pertussis. Tdap is approved for adolescents starting at age 11 and adults ages 19 to 64. Tdap, also known as Adacel or Boostrix, is also the only form of the vaccine currently recommended for healthcare personnel at least once in adulthood. After the adulthood Tdap vaccination, Td can be given in 10-year intervals. Additional guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Diphtheria toxoid-, tetanus toxoid-, and acellular pertussis-containing vaccines help protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, but they will not prevent all cases. |