Tdap Vaccine for a 13-Year-Old
A 13-year-old should receive a single dose of Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) vaccine, with either BOOSTRIX® or ADACEL™ being appropriate options.
Vaccine Selection and Administration
Both available Tdap products are interchangeable and equally appropriate for adolescents 1:
- BOOSTRIX® (licensed for ages 10 years and older)
- ADACEL™ (licensed for ages 11 years and older)
Either product can be administered regardless of which DTaP manufacturer was used during childhood vaccination 1.
Dosing Details
- Dose: 0.5 mL administered intramuscularly 1
- Site: Preferably into the deltoid muscle 1
- Frequency: Single dose only 1
Timing Considerations
The preferred age for Tdap vaccination is 11-12 years, but adolescents aged 13-18 years who have not yet received Tdap should receive it 1.
If the adolescent previously received Td vaccine:
- An interval of at least 5 years between Td and Tdap is encouraged to reduce local and systemic reactions 1
- However, intervals less than 5 years can be used when pertussis protection is needed, as the benefit generally outweighs the risk of reactions 1
Simultaneous Vaccination
Tdap can and should be administered during the same visit with other indicated vaccines, including meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), if both are due 1. Each vaccine should be given with a separate syringe at different anatomic sites, separated by at least one inch if using the same muscle 1.
Important Safety Considerations
Observe for syncope: Adolescents are at higher risk for fainting after vaccination. A 15-20 minute observation period following vaccination is recommended 1.
Contraindications include:
- History of anaphylaxis to any vaccine component 1
- History of encephalopathy within 7 days of a previous pertussis-containing vaccine (use Td instead) 2
Common pitfall: Do not confuse Tdap with DTaP—DTaP is only for children under 7 years of age 3. Tdap contains reduced amounts of diphtheria toxoid and pertussis antigens compared to pediatric DTaP formulations.