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Tdap not always given when tetanus vaccination needed
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Only 51.1% of adults who receive tetanus vaccinations also receive pertussis vaccination, according to findings presented at the 1st National Immunization Conference Online.
Researchers from the University of South Florida/Morton Plant Mease Hospitals evaluated predictors of receiving the adult tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine in those receiving a tetanus vaccine. The study included data from the 2008 National Health Interview Survey. A total of 1,336 respondents could be evaluated for Tdap vaccination.
College education was associated with higher odds of receiving Tdap compared with lower education levels. Having two to three office visits or four to nine office visits within the past year also increased the odds of receiving Tdap compared with no visits. Further, when compared with those aged 18 to 24 years, respondents aged 50 to 64 years were less likely to receive Tdap. Lastly, those with functional limitations were less likely to receive Tdap.
“In 2008, approximately half of adult tetanus vaccinations included acellular pertussis, suggesting a need for increased awareness regarding pertussis, its consequences and methods of prevention,” Tracy Johns, PharmD, associate director of University of South Florida Family Medicine Residency, said during the presentation. “Patients, as well as providers, should be targets of public health campaigns. Older individuals, those who are educationally disadvantaged, and those with functional impairment may be especially suited for supplemental immunization initiatives.”
For more information:
- Johns T. #30160. Presented at: 1st National Immunization Conference Online; March 26-28, 2012.
Disclosure: Dr. Johns reports no relevant financial disclosures.