Boostrix Uses

Boostrix and Tdap provide protection against three bacterial infections—tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). 

There may be other uses of Boostrix —your doctor or pharmacist can give you further vaccine information.

Boostrix Mechanism of Action

Boostrix is a tetanus toxoid, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine. It is an inactivated vaccine that contains tetanus toxoid, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis antigens. Vaccination with Boostrix prompts the body to make neutralizing antibodies against the bacteria that cause these diseases, namely Clostridium tetani, which causes tetanus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which causes diphtheria, and Bordetella pertussis, which causes pertussis or whooping cough.

Boostrix Doses

The CDC recommends routine Tdap vaccination for all children aged 11-12 years. Adults who have not received this vaccine before should also get a single dose of Tdap (Boostrix). Thereafter, adults should receive active booster immunization with Boostrix every 10 years for continued protection. Pregnant women should get a vaccine that contains pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus toxoids during the third trimester of the pregnancy to protect the baby.

Tdap vaccine (Boostrix or Adacel) is given at least 5 years after a prior dose of DTaP, Td, or other tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines. You should wait for at least 8 years (for Adacel) and 9 years (for Boostrix) after a prior dose before getting another dose.