Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination for an 8-Year-Old Child
An 8-year-old child should receive Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine, NOT Tdap or tetanus toxoid (TT) alone, as part of their catch-up immunization series. 1, 2
Age-Appropriate Vaccine Selection
- DTaP is contraindicated for children aged ≥7 years due to increased reactogenicity from the higher diphtheria toxoid content in older children 1
- Tdap is not licensed for use in children younger than 10 years of age (Boostrix) or 11 years of age (Adacel), making it inappropriate for an 8-year-old 1, 2
- Td vaccine is the correct formulation for children aged 7-10 years who need tetanus immunization 1, 2
Catch-Up Immunization Schedule
If the child has never received any tetanus-containing vaccines:
- Administer 3 doses of Td vaccine using the following schedule: 1, 2
- Dose 1: Given immediately
- Dose 2: Administered ≥4 weeks after dose 1
- Dose 3: Administered 6-12 months after dose 2
If the child has incomplete vaccination history:
- Follow catch-up guidance without restarting the series, regardless of time elapsed between previous doses 1, 3
- Use Td vaccine to complete the remaining doses needed 1, 2
Future Tdap Administration
- Once the child reaches age 11-12 years, they should receive Tdap as their adolescent booster dose 1, 2
- This Tdap dose will provide pertussis protection in addition to tetanus and diphtheria 1, 2
Critical Clinical Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse Tdap with Td when vaccinating children aged 7-10 years. 1, 2 The packaging may appear similar, so carefully review product labels before administration. If Tdap is inadvertently given to an 8-year-old:
- The dose can be counted as the adolescent Tdap dose 1, 2
- The child should still receive additional tetanus-diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine doses no longer than 10 years later or according to catch-up guidance 1, 2
- An additional adolescent Tdap dose at age 11-12 years is still recommended 1