Adacel vaccine can protect adolescents and adults against three diseases.

1. Tetanus (lockjaw) is caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound. Tetanus causes serious, painful spasms of all muscles. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw or an inability to open your mouth or to swallow. 2. Diphtheria spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, or airway. It can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and death. 3. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a respiratory disease and can cause serious coughing spells that can lead to rib fracture, vomiting and disturbed sleep. Pertussis is passed from person to person through exposure to infected droplets from coughing and sneezing.

While you may be aware of the importance of a Td (tetanus/diphtheria) booster every 10 years, did you know that the number of pertussis cases reported in 2004 was at a 45-year high? In fact, 25,827 cases of pertussis were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2004 alone. Immunity to certain vaccinated diseases decreases over time. This is why Tdap is used to replace one of the Td boosters to heighten immunity against, not only tetanus and diphtheria, but also pertussis. Adacel (Tdap) is recommended for adolescents ages 11-18 as a single booster shot. Currently the CDC recommends replacing only one Td booster with Tdap.

Adacel is also recommended for adults who did not receive a booster of pertussis during their adolescent years. While pertussis is not usually life threatening in adults, it can be transmitted from adults to infants who have not yet completed the DTaP series. These infants do not have complete immunity against pertussis and complications of pertussis in infants younger that 12 months can be life threatening. The CDC recommends that adults 19-64 replace one of their Td boosters with Tdap to help keep immunity against pertussis strong.

You should definitely consider a Tdap booster if:

1. You are an adult who expects to have close contact with an infant younger than 12 months of age. Waiting at least 2 years since the last dose of Td is suggested, but not required.

2.You are a Healthcare worker who has direct patient contact in hospitals or clinics. A 2-year interval since the last Td is suggested, but not required.

You can help decrease the cases of pertussis. Talk to your Bremo or Henrico pharmacist to see if Adacel is right for you.