Resource: Continuing Education on New Tdap Adolescent Preparation
The CDC is offering 3.1 hours continuing nursing education to accompany this in-depth review of pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus vaccination policies and products for adolescents as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). (See also SHA, March 2006).
Two tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) products were licensed in 2005 for use in adolescents. They are BOOSTRIX®, for persons aged 10 through 18 years, and ADACEL™ for persons aged 11 through 64 years.
To reduce pertussis cases among adolescents and to maintain protection levels against tetanus and diphtheria, adolescents aged 11 through 18 years should receive a single dose of Tdap instead of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) for boosters if they have completed the recommended childhood series (five doses of pediatric DTP/DTaP before age seven; if the fourth dose was given on or after the fourth birthday, the fifth dose is not needed) and if they have not yet received Td or Tdap.
Further, the preferred age for Tdap vaccination is 11 or 12 years, but those aged 11 through 18 years who received Td, but not Tdap, should receive a single dose of Tdap if they have completed the recommended childhood series. An interval of at least 5 years between Td and Tdap is recommended which reduces the risk for reactions to Tdap.
Finally, Tdap and tetravalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine should be given at the same visit to adolescents aged 11 through 18 years if both are indicated and the products are available.
(Broder KR et al. MMWR 2006 Feb 23;55(7):1-34)
Comment: The full report covers US tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis immunization policies, clinical features and epidemiology of pertussis among adolescents, and the clinical studies related to the new Tdap vaccines. The 3-hour continuing education unit is available in print and electronic format from MMWR (vol. 55, no. RR-3) at www.cdc.gov/mmwr. This method helps school nurses meet their needs for continuing education with content that is relevant to their practice. --J.O.
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