Pediatric vaccination schedule for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis includes a booster at which age?

Pediatric vaccination schedule for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis includes a booster at which age?

• A. 4-6 years
• B. 11-12 years
• C. 2 months
• D. 18 years

Answer: (B)

A booster for this vaccination is given in adolescence to refresh immunity, especially against pertussis, which wanes over time. After completing the infant and early childhood DTaP series (2, 4, 6 months; 15–18 months; and 4–6 years), the recommended adolescent booster is a Tdap dose at 11–12 years old. This uses the acellular pertussis component and helps maintain protection during a period of increasing exposure, as well as reduce transmission to younger children. After this, a Td booster is given every 10 years, with Tdap generally not repeated in adolescence unless a prior dose wasn’t given. The other ages listed are part of the initial series or later routine boosters, not the standard adolescence booster.

A booster for this vaccination is given in adolescence to refresh immunity, especially against pertussis, which wanes over time. After completing the infant and early childhood DTaP series (2, 4, 6 months; 15–18 months; and 4–6 years), the recommended adolescent booster is a Tdap dose at 11–12 years old. This uses the acellular pertussis component and helps maintain protection during a period of increasing exposure, as well as reduce transmission to younger children. After this, a Td booster is given every 10 years, with Tdap generally not repeated in adolescence unless a prior dose wasn’t given. The other ages listed are part of the initial series or later routine boosters, not the standard adolescence booster.