The adult vaccination recommendations for a tetanus-diphtheria booster need to be revised, according to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU). Their argument is that there is no convincing data to support the need for this vaccination every 10 years.
Mark K. Slifka, Ph.D., a professor at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at OHSU, states “When we looked at the levels of immunity among 546 adults, we realized that antibody titers against tetanus and diphtheria lasted much longer than previously believed.”
In this tetanus/diphtheria booster study, he and his colleagues looked at how long a person who has followed current vaccination schedules had good immunity. Their findings: adults will remain protected against tetanus and diphtheria for at least 30 years. No NEED for an every-10-year booster shot.
CAVEAT – this finding is based on having ‘gotten all your shots’ – having completed the standard five–dose childhood vaccination series.
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