FDA Approval of Expanded Age Indication for a Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine

On December 4, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an expanded age indication for the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) Boostrix (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium). Boostrix is now licensed for use in persons aged 10--64 years as a single-dose booster immunization; the vaccine initially was licensed for persons aged 10--18 years. This announcement summarizes the indications for use of Boostrix. Complete recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for Tdap vaccines have been described previously.