Dtap, Tdap, and Td Catch-Up Vaccination Recommendations by Prior Vaccine History and Age

Dtap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), and Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) Catch-Up Vaccination recommendations are guidelines about how these vaccines should be administered based on a person's previous vaccine history and age.

Dtap is given to children from 2 months to 6 years as a series of 5 shots to protect them from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Tdap is a booster shot given to adolescents and adults to continue protection from these diseases, typically administered once during adolescence and once every 10 years in adulthood. Td is another booster shot for Tetanus and Diphtheria and is recommended every 10 years for adults, or earlier in the case of a serious wound or burn.

These vaccines play a crucial role in protecting individuals and communities from these potentially serious diseases. They are typically mandatory in countries like the USA, Canada, India, and Australia. However, the exact schedule and recommendations may vary among countries and also depend on the individual’s health condition and risk factors. Always consult a health professional or your local health department for accurate vaccination information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States files the DTap, Tdap, and Td catch-up vaccination recommendations by prior vaccine history and age. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) does the same in Canada. In India, this task is performed by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), while in Australia, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is responsible.

FAQ

Q: What is DTaP vaccination?
A: DTaP is a vaccine that helps children under age 7 develop immunity to three deadly diseases caused by bacteria: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis).

Q: What is Tdap vaccination?
A: Tdap is a booster immunization given at age 11 that offers continued protection from those diseases for adolescents and adults.

Q: What is Td vaccination?
A: Td is a booster vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria. It does not protect against pertussis.

Q: What is the recommended age for DTaP vaccination in the USA?
A: In the USA, the DTaP vaccine is recommended for babies at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and again between 4-6 years.

Q: What is the recommended age for Tdap vaccination in the USA?
A: In the USA, it is recommended that adolescents get the Tdap vaccine at age 11 or 12, and every pregnant woman receives the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy, regardless of previous Tdap vaccination.

Q: What is the recommended age for Td vaccination in the USA?
A: In the USA, Td boosters should be given every 10 years.

Q: What are the DTaP, Tdap, and Td catch-up vaccinations?
A: For anyone who has missed their regular vaccines, catch-up vaccinations of DTaP, Tdap, and Td are recommended. The schedule varies based on the individual's age, health condition, and the number of previous vaccines they have taken.

Q: What if I have never been vaccinated for DTaP, Tdap, or Td?
A: If you've never been vaccinated, you'll need to start with the vaccine appropriate for your age group - DTaP for children under 7, and Tdap or Td for older children, adolescents, and adults - and continue with the catch-up schedule as recommended by your healthcare provider.