American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

How often should Tdap be administered?

1. Every 5 years

2. Every 10 years

3. Every year

4. Every 15 years

The correct answer is: Every 10 years

The correct frequency for administering Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine is every 10 years after the primary series and after the age of 19. This recommendation is based on guidelines intended to maintain protective immunity against tetanus and diphtheria, as the vaccine provides substantial protection for approximately a decade. Additionally, a booster dose is recommended during each pregnancy and after exposure to pertussis regardless of the interval since the last dose. While some vaccines require more frequent doses, such as annual influenza vaccines or those administered every few years to respond to changing disease circumstances, Tdap is unique in that it is typically administered every 10 years for adult immunization. This interval helps balance the need for ongoing immunity against the diseases caused by the components of the vaccine with minimizing unnecessary vaccinations.