Tdap Vaccine in place of the Td Vaccine for Work Related Injuries
November 15, 2012
With Pertussis (aka Whooping Cough) on the rise the CDC has been encouraging individuals to get a Tdap Vaccine instead of a regular Tetanus shot when a booster is needed. Texas MedClinic has made the decision to give a Tdap vaccine in place of a Tetanus (Td) vaccine when one is needed for work related injuries. We feel this will help keep your employees and their families better protected against Pertussis. Since Tdap was licensed in 2005, many adults have not received this vaccine.
Tdap vs Td
- Tdap is the first vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and Pertussis.
- Protection from this childhood vaccine (Dtap) decreases over time, and therefore Tdap should be given once in an adult’s lifetime. It should be substituted for one routine tetanus booster.
- Td protects against tetanus and diphtheria.
- This immunization should be given as routine booster dose every 10 years.
Pertussis
Prevention against Pertussis is only carried in the Tdap vaccine. Pertussis, is extremely contagious and can cause serious illness. Tdap is recommended for children, teens, and adults, which also include pregnant women.
To learn more about Pertussis go to http://www.cdc.gov/features/pertussis/
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/features/pertussis/
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-td-tdap.pdf
