The Bureau of Immunization wishes to make you aware that BOOSTRIX® vaccine has now been licensed for use in an expanded age group that includes adults 19-64 years of age (see attached press release from GSK and excerpts below).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved BOOSTRIX [Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, Adsorbed (Tdap)] for use in adults 19-64 years of age. BOOSTRIX offers protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) to individuals 10-64 years of age – the broadest age range for any Tdap vaccine. BOOSTRIX was previously approved as a booster vaccine for preteens and teens.

The CDC recommends a single Tdap vaccination for adults aged 19-64 years, in place of a Td booster if the last dose of the Td vaccine was received 10 or more years prior in individuals who have not already received a Tdap vaccine. This includes healthcare personnel who have direct patient contact, as well as adults younger than 65 years of age who have or anticipate having contact with infants younger than 12 months (e.g., parents, grandparents, childcare providers)."

While this new approval does not affect provision of VFC vaccines, it does afford consumers and providers with another option for protection against Bordatello pertussis infection and complications in adolescents and adults.

For your convenience we have attached a pdf of the HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION (Revised: December 2008), also found on the internet at: http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_boostrix.pdf

Please distribute this information to colleagues, members, coalitions, and partners with an interest in the prevention and control of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis disease.