Adults aged ≥50 years are recommended to receive a booster dose of diphtheria-containing vaccine if their last dose was more than 10 years ago
Adults are recommended to have a diphtheria booster dose if they are 50 years of age and have not received a booster dose of diphtheria-containing vaccine in the past 10 years.
Adults should receive this dose as dTpa, to also protect against pertussis (see Pertussis). The booster dose stimulates production of antibodies against diphtheria toxin at an age when immunity against diphtheria and tetanus starts to wane. 2
Page history
Last updated:
4 June 2018
Last reviewed:
4 June 2018
Definitions
- dTpa
- diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine, reduced antigen content formulation
Printed content may be out of date. For up to date information, always refer to the digital version: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/recommendations/adults-aged-50-years-are-recommended-to-receive-a-booster-dose-of-diphtheria.