Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) (Required)

Tetanus (lock jaw), diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) are all caused by bacteria -- Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person.  Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds.  Most young adults have completed a primary series against these diseases, but boosters for diphtheria and tetanus are needed every 10 years to maintain protection.

We offer the tetanus/diphtheria (Td) and the new tetanus/diphtheria/acellalar pertussis (Tdap or ADACEL) vaccines for students at cost.  There have been some outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) recently in the U.S. and therefore the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone over 11 years old (and less than 65) receive one booster dose of the new Tdap vaccine.  This should be given when they are due for their next tetanus/diphtheria booster, however it may be given sooner.*  The goal is to boost adolescent and adult immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) with this new one-time vaccine.  Thereafter, adults should continue to get the Td booster every 10 years.

*Please see http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-tdap.pdf