For what age group is the Tdap booster recommended every 10 years?

The Tdap booster is recommended every 10 years for adults, primarily because it serves to maintain immunity against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Adults may be at risk for these illnesses, particularly pertussis, which can lead to serious complications for both them and vulnerable populations around them, such as infants. Immunity to pertussis wanes over time, making the booster crucial to ensure ongoing protection.

Infants receive a primary series of vaccinations against these diseases, but the recommendation for a booster every 10 years specifically targets adults who may not have the same level of ongoing immunity. Children are typically given a different schedule of vaccinations and boosters designed for their developing immune systems. The elderly also have specific considerations when it comes to vaccinations, but the routine 10-year booster is not as explicitly recommended for that demographic as it is for adults. Thus, the recommendation for the Tdap booster every 10 years aligns directly with the adult population's need to sustain immunity against these serious conditions.