The new Tdap vaccine, which adds a booster for pertussis (whooping cough) to the standard tetanus (Td) booster, is now recommended in adults as well by the expert panel that makes vaccine recommendations for the U.S. It has already been recommended that all adolescents receive a dose at age 11 or 12 instead of the current Td vaccine.
Now it is also recommended that adults receive one dose, replacing a needed Td vaccine (which is needed every 10 years in adults). It can also be given to adults if their last tetanus shot was least 2 years ago or more.
Because of the threat of pertussis to infants, in whom it can be fatal, parents especially need to be aware of this recommendation and receive a booster before having a baby. Hopefully, OB-GYN doctors will recommend and give the vaccine to new mothers or to women before they become pregnant, and adult primary care doctors will have the vaccine for other adults as well. However, given the difficulties in vaccine coverage and reimbursement from insurance companies, I am a little skeptical about the vaccine being widely covered and available for adults. Hopefully, this will not be the case.