By Emma Hitt, PhD
February 23, 2011 — Revised language on the use of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination in healthcare personnel was voted on and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee in Immunization Practices (ACIP) yesterday.
The wording states that healthcare personnel, regardless of age, should receive a single dose of Tdap as soon as feasible if they have not previously received Tdap, and regardless of time since their last dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine.
In addition, after the receipt of Tdap, healthcare personnel should receive routine booster immunization against tetanus and diphtheria, according to previously published guidelines. Hospitals and ambulatory care facilities should provide Tdap for healthcare personnel and use approaches that maximize vaccination rates, such as providing Tdap at no charge.
In 2005, ACIP voted to recommend routine use of a single dose of Tdap for adults aged 19 to 64 years to replace the next booster dose Td vaccine. ACIP also recommended Tdap for adults who have close contact with infants younger than 12 months.
At the last meeting, in October 2010, ACIP recommended a booster vaccination with Tdap vaccine in people between aged 11 and 64 years and in those older than 65 years if they come in close contact with infants.
Today, proposed modified language on the use of Tdap in healthcare personnel was voted on by 15 members, with 14 votes in favor that the new language should be adopted and 1 abstention.
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