Pertussis Immunization for Adults

Pertussis Immunization for Adults

ACIP Votes to Recommend Use of Combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine for Adults. (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) , December 15, 2005 [Full Text]

Editor’s Note: The excerpt below is taken from a statement released by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC. It addresses a new recommendation for protecting infants from pertussis infection by immunizing adults (with Tdap) who care for them (including health care workers and new parents). These recommendations are under review by the Director of the CDC and the Department of HHS, and will become official when published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

“Prevention of pertussis among infants <12 months of age by vaccinating adult contacts: Adults who have or who anticipate having close contact with an infant <12 months of age (e.g., parents, childcare providers, health-care providers) should receive a single dose of Tdap. An interval of 2 years or more since the most recent tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine is suggested; shorter intervals may be used. Ideally, Tdap should be given at least 1 month before beginning close contact with the infant. Women should receive a dose of Tdap in the immediate post-partum period if they have not previously received Tdap. Any woman who might become pregnant is encouraged to receive a single dose of Tdap.”

Comments: The implications ($$$) of these new recommendations for hospitals will be dramatic during 2006. All Physicians and nurses who care for infants < 12 months of age will need to be immunized with Tdap ASAP. In addition, virtually all pregnant women will need this immunization in the immediate post-partum period. ABK.

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