Description

BOOSTRIX Vaccine (Manufacturer: Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd) is a combination of three vaccines; Diphtheria + Tetanus + Pertussis used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). The vaccine is sometimes called dTpa vaccine. It stimulates the immune system to act against microorganisms to prevent such infections.

• Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes muscles throughout the body to become stiff and tighten. Boostrix Vaccine helps prevent tetanus infection. It helps the immune system to produce antibodies to fight against tetanus infection. However, it does not provide lifelong protection.
• Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that causes pain and swelling in the throat. This might cause difficulty in breathing. It might also damage the heart, kidneys and nerves. Boostrix Vaccine gives protection against diphtheria.
• Pertussis (often called whooping cough) is an infection of the airways that can occur at any age but mostly affects infants and young children. The infection causes uncontrollable coughing that can make it difficult to breathe. Boostrix Vaccine gives protection from pertussis.

How is BOOSTRIX given?

BOOSTRIX is administered as a 0.5-mL intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm by a healthcare professional. It may cause redness, pain, and swelling at the site of injection. However, this is temporary and usually resolves on its own.

• Tdap is only for children 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults.
• Adolescents should receive a single dose of Tdap, preferably at age 11 or 12 years.
• Pregnant people should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably during the early part of the third trimester (gestational weeks 27–36), to help protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.
• Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose of Tdap.
• Also, adults should receive a booster dose of either Tdap or Td (a different vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis) every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn.
• Tdap may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

For detailed information, see www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6903a5.htm

Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, United States, 2021: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/child-adolescent.html