How often is TDAP given?

How often is TDAP given?

• A. Every year
• B. Every 2 years
• C. Only once in a lifetime
• D. One dose every 10 years

Answer: (D)

Immunity to tetanus and diphtheria wanes over time, so a Tdap shot is given to refresh protection, and then boosters are needed to maintain it. In adults, you typically receive one dose of Tdap if you haven’t had it before, and afterwards you get a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years to keep protection up. This cadence—one initial dose, then boosters at 10-year intervals—is how the protection is maintained. (During pregnancy, Tdap is recommended once in each pregnancy to protect the newborn.)

Immunity to tetanus and diphtheria wanes over time, so a Tdap shot is given to refresh protection, and then boosters are needed to maintain it. In adults, you typically receive one dose of Tdap if you haven’t had it before, and afterwards you get a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years to keep protection up. This cadence—one initial dose, then boosters at 10-year intervals—is how the protection is maintained. (During pregnancy, Tdap is recommended once in each pregnancy to protect the newborn.)