From the Guidelines
An 80-year-old can receive the Tdap booster vaccine even if only TD is indicated, as either Tdap or Td vaccines can be used in situations where only Td vaccine had been recommended, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated recommendations in 2019 1.
Key Considerations
- The Tdap vaccine is safe and effective for older adults, providing protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, with the added benefit of pertussis protection being particularly beneficial for this age group.
- The standard recommendation for adults 65 and older is to receive either Td or Tdap as a booster every 10 years, with at least one dose of Tdap in adulthood if they haven't previously received it.
- Side effects of the Tdap vaccine are generally mild and similar to those of Td, including soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue.
- For elderly patients with no contraindications, such as severe allergic reactions to previous doses, Tdap is an appropriate substitute when Td is unavailable.
Evidence-Based Decision
The decision to recommend Tdap for an 80-year-old is based on the most recent and highest-quality study available, which is the updated recommendations of the ACIP in 2019 1. This study provides evidence that Tdap can be used in place of Td, even if only Td is indicated, and that the vaccine is safe and effective for older adults.
Clinical Implications
- Healthcare providers should consider using Tdap as a substitute for Td in elderly patients when Td is unavailable, as it provides added protection against pertussis.
- Patients should be informed of the benefits and potential side effects of the Tdap vaccine to make an informed decision.
- The use of Tdap in elderly patients can help prevent pertussis, which can be a significant burden on this age group, and can also help reduce the transmission of the disease in the community.
From the Research
TDAP Booster Vaccine for 80-Year-Olds
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to answer whether an 80-year-old can receive a TDAP booster vaccine if there is no TD only 2, 3, 4.
- The studies provided do not discuss the specifics of vaccine administration in elderly populations or the conditions under which a TDAP booster might be recommended.
- Study 2 discusses the history and development of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine but does not address the question of booster shots for seniors.
- Studies 3 and 4 are unrelated to vaccine administration and discuss topics such as beta2-microglobulin levels in malignant diseases and the cellular distribution of ornithine in Neurospora, respectively.