Immunization Guidelines for Boostrix Tdap Vaccine: Details on Eligibility, Pregnancy, Adverse Effects, and Other Important Points
Boostrix, a Tdap vaccine, is approved for use in individuals aged 10 and older, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. This vaccine, which is not available in a generic or biosimilar form, is a non-live (inactive) vaccine made from living cells, classified as a biologic drug.
In clinical studies, side effects in children aged 10-18 years were similar to those in adults, but mild side effects were more common in the younger age group. Mild side effects include injection site reactions, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. While allergic reactions and serious side effects are rare, they can occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itchiness, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat, and trouble breathing. Serious side effects can also include severe allergic reactions and fainting after receiving the vaccine.
Boostrix is administered as an intramuscular injection in the upper arm. It comes as a liquid suspension in a 0.5-mL single-dose vial and a prefilled syringe. The dose for preventing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis is 0.5 mL.
The immunity produced by Boostrix lasts about 10 years, but immunity to pertussis tends to lessen over this time. For this reason, the CDC recommends a Tdap vaccine, such as Boostrix, for adults who have never been vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis, and for adults who need a booster dose every 10 years.
If a child did not receive all their DTaP vaccines, a Tdap vaccine such as Boostrix may be given as a catch-up dose for children ages 7 and older. Boostrix is also recommended for adults who have a severe or dirty cut, wound, or burn and who haven't had a tetanus booster in the last 5 years.
It is important to note that Boostrix is safe to receive during pregnancy and is recommended by the CDC during Weeks 27-36 of each pregnancy to protect babies from pertussis. Boostrix is also given during the third trimester of pregnancy to help prevent pertussis in babies.
Contrary to some claims, Boostrix does not cause autism.
As of the latest information, there is no specific mention of a generic or biosimilar version of the Boostrix Tdap vaccine. Vaccines like Boostrix are biological products, and while biosimilars exist for some biological drugs, they are not typically developed for vaccines like Tdap. The process of developing biosimilars for vaccines is complex and less common compared to therapeutic proteins. Therefore, the availability of a generic or biosimilar version for Boostrix would be unlikely without significant regulatory and scientific advancements in this area.
For more information on vaccines and their schedules, please consult the CDC's guidelines. For specific coverage and substitution policies, please refer to your health plan's formulary or drug list.
Vaccine-related science is crucial in ensuring health-and-wellness, particularly for medical-conditions like tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which can be prevented by the use of vaccines such as Boostrix. The immunity produced by Boostrix lasts about 10 years, and according to the CDC, adults may need a booster dose every 10 years for sustained health and wellness protection.
