3. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)
The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine used to boost immunity against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. There is also the Td vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria.
Tdap vaccination is currently recommended for:5
- Children between 7 and 10 years who were not fully vaccinated with other whooping cough vaccines, like DTaP.
- Children between 11 and 18 years, preferably between the ages of 11 and 12.
- Adults 19 years and older as a one-time dose, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.
- Pregnant people between 27 and 36 weeks of each pregnancy.
- People 65 years and older if they are going to be in close contact with a newborn or an infant younger than 12 months.
There are two Tdap vaccines approved for use in the United States.2
| Trade Name | Doses | Age | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adacel | 1 | 10 years to 64 years | IM |
| Boostrix | 1 | 10 years and over | IM |
4. Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib)
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of the protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord), and epiglottitis (inflammation of the cartilage flap covering the windpipe).6
There are three Hib vaccines approved for use in the United States.2
| Trade Name | Doses | Age | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| ActHIB | 4 | 2 months to 5 years | IM |
| Hiberix | 4 | 6 weeks to 4 years | IM |
| PedvaxHIB | 3 | 2 to 71 months | IM |