Technically Speaking: ACIP Has Updated Its Recommendations on the Use of Tdap Vaccine in Pregnant Women and Children
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Vaccine Update for Healthcare ProvidersAt its October 2016 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to update two of its recommendations for the use of Tdap vaccine (tetanus-, diphtheria-, pertussis-containing vaccine).
- For all pregnant women, Tdap vaccine is now recommended to be administered "early" in the 27- through 36-week gestational age window to maximize passive antibody transfer to the infant. Previously, the recommendation was to vaccinate women at any time between 27 and 36 weeks' gestation.
- Children 7 to 10 years of age who receive a dose of Tdap as part of a catch-up series may be given an additional dose of Tdap for the routinely recommended adolescent dose at 11 to 12 years of age. Previously the recommendation was to not give an additional dose of Tdap at age 11 to 12 years in this situation.
Both recommendations are included in the 2017 U.S. immunization schedules, which means they are officially recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
IAC resources
- DTaP, Tdap, and Td Catch-up Vaccination Recommendations by Prior Vaccine History and Age. This table summarizes the catch-up recommendations of CDC's ACIP for the use of DTaP, Tdap and Td vaccines.
- Tdap VISs are available in many languages. Here you will find links to Tdap VISs in more than 20 languages.
- Ask the Experts — Tdap. CDC immunization experts answer healthcare professionals' technical questions related to the use of Tdap vaccine.
CDC resources
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccination: Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children/Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger, U.S., 2017
- Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older, U.S., 2017
VEC resources
Contributed by: Deborah Wexler, MD
Categories: Technically Speaking, Vaccine Update May 2017
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
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