Tdap Vaccine Brand Names
The two brand names of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccines available in the United States are Adacel (Sanofi Pasteur) and Boostrix (GlaxoSmithKline). 1
Available Tdap Products and Their Indications
- Adacel (Sanofi Pasteur) is licensed by the FDA for use as a single dose in persons aged 10-64 years 1
- Boostrix (GlaxoSmithKline) is licensed by the FDA for use as a single dose in persons aged ≥10 years 1
Composition Differences Between Products
- Adacel contains five pertussis antigens (PT, PRN, FHA, and FIM) along with tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, formulated with reduced quantities compared to pediatric DTaP 1
- Boostrix contains three pertussis antigens (PT, PRN, and FHA) along with tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, also formulated with reduced quantities compared to pediatric DTaP 1
- Both vaccines contain no thimerosal or other preservatives 1
Age-Specific Recommendations
- For adults aged 19-64 years, either Adacel or Boostrix can be used, though initially only Adacel was licensed for adults 1
- For adolescents aged 10-18 years, either Adacel or Boostrix can be used 1
- For persons aged ≥65 years, Boostrix is FDA-approved, while Adacel use would be considered off-label 1
Updated Recommendations for Use
- As of 2019, either Tdap or Td can be used for decennial Td booster doses, tetanus prophylaxis for wound management, and catch-up immunization schedules 1, 2
- After receiving Tdap, subsequent tetanus and diphtheria protection has traditionally been maintained with Td boosters every 10 years, though recent recommendations allow for flexibility in using either Td or Tdap 1, 2
International Brand Names
- In some countries outside the United States, Adacel may also be marketed as Triaxis or Covaxis 3, 4
- Boostrix is marketed under the same name internationally 5, 6
Important Clinical Considerations
- Both Tdap products were licensed based on clinical trials demonstrating immunogenicity not inferior to U.S.-licensed Td or pediatric DTaP products 1
- The safety profiles of both vaccines are generally comparable to U.S.-licensed Td products 1, 5
- Local injection-site reactions are the most common adverse events, with most being mild to moderate in intensity and transient 5
Remember that Tdap vaccines are distinct from DTaP vaccines (such as Daptacel and Infanrix), which are used for primary immunization in children younger than 7 years of age 1, 2.