How often are Td/Tdap boosters recommended?

Td (tetanus-diphtheria) and Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) boosters are typically recommended every 10 years for adults. This guideline is established to maintain protection against these serious diseases, especially tetanus, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The 10-year interval is effective because immunity to tetanus decreases over time, and periodic boosting helps to ensure that individuals remain protected.

For individuals who have never received a Tdap booster, it is recommended to get a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis, in addition to maintaining the Td booster schedule. For specific situations, like certain injuries, an additional booster may be received earlier, but the standard recommendation remains every 10 years.

This framework helps to prevent outbreaks and protects both individual and public health by ensuring that vaccination levels remain high.