Tdap Vaccine – Overview and Schedule

Adacel is a vaccine used as a booster to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is approved for adolescents and adults aged 10 to 64 years. For younger children, a different vaccine called DTaP is recommended.

Diseases prevented:

• Tetanus (T): A serious bacterial infection characterized by painful muscle stiffness and spasms, often referred to as "lockjaw."
• Diphtheria (d): A bacterial illness that produces a thick coating in the nose and throat, which can cause difficulty breathing, heart complications, and paralysis.
• Pertussis (ap): Commonly known as whooping cough, this highly contagious respiratory disease leads to intense coughing spells that can disrupt breathing, particularly in infants.

Protect yourself and your community with Adacel Vaccine (Tdap), the leading booster immunization for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur—a global healthcare leader—Adacel is FDA approved and CDC recommended for teens, adults, and pregnant women to ensure lasting immunity against these three serious diseases.

Tdap stands for Tetanus, reduced Diphtheria toxoid, and acellular Pertussis. It is a combination vaccine (known by brand names like Adacel® and Boostrix®) that boosts immunity to tetanus (“lockjaw”), diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis) in older children and adults. Tdap is given as a single 0.5 mL intramuscular dose (containing tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and pertussis antigens). It is not used in young children: children under 7 years receive the pediatric DTaP series. Instead, Tdap is given once as a booster in late childhood/adolescence and then in various adult situations.

• Children/Adolescents: After completing the 5-dose DTaP series in early childhood, CDC recommends one dose of Tdap at age 11–12 years. (This single Tdap then replaces the 10-year tetanus booster.) If a preteen or teenager never received Tdap or missed it, they should get a dose when feasible.
• Adults (≥19 years): Adults should have at least one lifetime dose of Tdap in late adolescence or adulthood if not previously given. Thereafter, they receive tetanus boosters every 10 years – typically with Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine, although one of the 10-year boosters may be a Tdap if pertussis protection is needed. (For example, most adults receive Tdap once and then Td every 10 years.) If an adult has a severe tetanus-prone wound and their last tetanus booster was ≥5 years ago, providers may give a booster (Td or Tdap) for wound management.
• Pregnant Women: CDC recommends one dose of Tdap during each pregnancy, regardless of prior Tdap history. The preferred timing is weeks 27–36 of gestation (early third trimester) to maximize antibody transfer to the infant. (If Tdap was not given during pregnancy and the mother never had Tdap before, it should be given immediately postpartum.)
• Catch-Up & Special Situations: Persons ≥7 years who have never received a “pertussis-containing” booster (i.e. no adolescent Tdap) should get at least one Tdap dose. Health-care personnel and others in contact with infants are also advised to have up-to-date Tdap. After the initial Tdap dose, routine boosters every 10 years use Td (or Tdap once if not already used).

In summary, one dose of Tdap is routine at age ~11–12 (and in each pregnancy), with tetanus/diphtheria boosters every 10 years thereafter. Follow CDC/ACIP schedules and local guidelines for catch-up scenarios.

CPT Coding for Tdap

When billing for a Tdap vaccination, use CPT® code 90715. CPT 90715 describes “tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine, for intramuscular use, for individuals 7 years or older”. (In contrast, CPT 90714 is the code for Td vaccine with no pertussis component.

Because CPT 90715 is a vaccine product code, it must be reported along with an immunization administration code on the claim. For example, for an adult (no physician counseling), use 90471 for the first injection (and 90472 for each additional simultaneous injection). (For patients ≤18 years with significant physician counseling (beyond routine), use 90460/90461 instead.) Always pair 90715 with a diagnosis for immunization (typically Z23, “encounter for immunization”) or an appropriate injury code if given for wound prophylaxis.

Key Points: Tdap (CPT 90715) is given once at 11–12 years (and during each pregnancy). Adults then get tetanus boosters (Td or Tdap) every 10 years. When coding, use 90715 for the vaccine dose (age ≥7) plus the proper administration code (e.g. 90471).

Product Highlights & Top Health Benefits

• Triple Protection: Shields against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), reducing the risk of severe illness, complications, and transmission.
• Trusted Manufacturer: Developed by Sanofi Pasteur, renowned for vaccine safety, efficacy, and innovation.
• Booster Immunization: Essential for adolescents (11 years and up), adults, and pregnant women to boost waning immunity.
• CDC & FDA Approved: Part of the CDC recommended vaccine schedule for routine and catch-up immunization.
• Maternal Immunization: Safe, effective protection for pregnant women to safeguard newborns from pertussis.
• School & Employment Requirements: Meets immunization regulations for colleges, schools, and healthcare workers.
• Ready-to-Use: Convenient, single-dose intramuscular injection for fast, seamless administration in any healthcare setting.

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What It Is Used For

Adacel (Tdap) Vaccine is indicated for active immunization as a single booster dose for the prevention of:

• Tetanus (lockjaw)
• Diphtheria (a serious bacterial throat infection)
• Pertussis (whooping cough)

Target groups: Adolescents and adults (ages 10–64), as a booster dose following primary vaccination series or when immunity needs refreshing, especially those in contact with infants or at increased risk of exposure.

Details and Features

• Combination Tdap vaccine: Protects against three major infectious diseases
• Pre-filled 0.5 mL single-dose syringes: Ensures dosing accuracy, convenience, and infection control
• Preservative-free formulation: Safe for a broader range of patients
• High immunogenicity: Demonstrated robust antibody responses for all components
• Latex-free syringes: Reduces risk for latex-allergic individuals
• Sanofi Pasteur quality: Renowned leader in vaccine research and safety
• Storage: Store refrigerated at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). Do not freeze.

Dosage

• Recommended Dose: A single 0.5 mL intramuscular (IM) injection
• Administration: Preferably into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm
• Booster Interval: Adacel may be given as a booster dose every 10 years or as recommended by national immunization guidelines.

CDC Guidelines

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends:

• 1 dose of Tdap (Adacel or Boostrix) for adolescents (11-12 years) and adults who have not previously received Tdap
• Pregnant women: 1 dose during every pregnancy (preferably at 27–36 weeks gestation)
• Booster every 10 years with Td or Tdap for ongoing protection
• Immediate protection for close contacts of infants and healthcare providers

Vaccination is essential for interrupting the transmission of pertussis to vulnerable infants and preventing outbreaks of tetanus and diphtheria.

Mechanism of Action

The Adacel vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis toxins and antigens. Upon exposure to these bacteria, the immune system recognizes and neutralizes them, preventing the development of disease or limiting its severity.

Directions

1. Inspect vaccine: Ensure the product has not expired and check for particulate matter or discoloration.
2. Shake syringe: Gently shake until a uniform, cloudy suspension is observed.
3. Prepare injection site: Cleanse with alcohol.
4. Administer dose: Inject 0.5 mL intramuscularly, preferably into the deltoid muscle.
5. Dispose safely: Sharply and immediately dispose of used syringe in an approved sharps container.
6. Record immunization: Update patient’s vaccination record.

Warnings

• Do NOT use in individuals: With a history of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to any component, previous Tdap or other tetanus/diphtheria-containing vaccines.
• Postpone vaccination: During moderate or severe acute illness (wait until recovery).
• Not for use in children <10 years or adults 65+ years (prefer age-appropriate Td/Tdap).
• History of Guillain-Barré syndrome: within 6 weeks after a previous tetanus vaccine—use caution.
• Latex allergy: Check product labeling (most Adacel syringes are latex-free).
• Dosing errors: Do not mix with other vaccines in the same syringe.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site
• Headache, fatigue
• Mild fever, chills
• Body aches, soreness

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Neurologic complications (extremely rare, e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome, brachial neuritis)
• Fainting (more common in adolescents—observe for 15 minutes after injection)

If any severe reaction occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Protect yourself and your community with Adacel Vaccine Syringes by Sanofi Pasteur—the safe and trusted choice for comprehensive Tdap booster immunization in adolescents and adults. Easy, convenient, preservative-free, and highly effective.