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Background: Decennial tetanus boosters have long been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In 2005, the ACIP recommended Tdap to replace a single dose of tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccine in persons aged 10-64 years, including among adults with infant contact and health care personnel (HCP).
Objectives: To estimate changes in TTCV coverage and measure Tdap uptake, among
Methods: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is a
Results: Rates of TTCV [within the preceding 10 years] were similar in 1999 (60.4%) and 2008 (61.6%). Men were more likely to be up-to-date than women (66.1% vs. 55.2%, 1999; 65.1% vs. 58.3%, 2008, p<0.05), and this difference widened as age increased. Tdap coverage in 2008 was low (5.9%), and HCP were more likely to be vaccinated than adults with infant contact (15.9% vs. 6.2%), p<0.05. Among adults who received TTCV since 2005, most (59.1%) were not informed by their doctor whether they received Td or Tdap, and 10.7% did not recall. Among those who recalled the vaccination type, 52.1% received Tdap.
Conclusions: Coverage of TTCV in 1999 and 2008 was similar. There appears to be many missed opportunities to vaccinate with Tdap as a booster, as a substantial portion of TTCV since 2005 have been reported to not include Tdap. Additionally, this information is not being communicated effectively, as almost 70% of patients vaccinated since 2005 did not know the type of vaccination they received. As more persons become eligible for tetanus booster injection, it is important for providers to vaccinate with Tdap and inform patients of this. (Reasons for non-vaccination will be presented from the NIS-Adult 2007 Survey).