How often should adults receive the Td or Tdap booster?

Adults should receive a Td (tetanus-diphtheria) booster every 10 years to maintain protection against these diseases. In addition, if an adult has never received the Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) vaccine, they should receive a single dose of Tdap. This recommendation is particularly important for adults who are in close contact with infants, as Tdap helps protect them from pertussis, which can be severe in young children.

Receiving the Td booster every 10 years ensures continued immunity to tetanus and diphtheria, while the one-time Tdap dose introduces the additional protection against pertussis. Following these guidelines helps maintain community immunity and protects vulnerable populations.

This recommendation is based on CDC guidelines, which outline the vaccination schedule for adults, considering both the duration of immunity and the importance of protecting against pertussis outbreaks.