What is Boostrix?
Boostrix is the brand name for the Tdap vaccine, which is designed for teens and preteens aged 10 to 18 years old. Boostrix, which was approved for use in 2005 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), gives this age group protection against whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus and diphtheria. It is at this age in particular that the protection received from vaccinations given in early childhood begins to wear off. The vaccine, which is currently made and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, is recommended by the Society for Adolescent Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Whooping cough may start out like a common cold, but progresses to a severe cough when a thick mucous coats the airways. An average case of whooping cough can last up to 106 days and can lead to loss of sleep, pneumonia and vomiting. Although it is not as serious in adolescents, it can be transmitted to younger children and those with suppressed immune systems due to its highly contagious nature. Prior to th
Boostrix vaccine is used to help prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in people who are ages 10 to 64 years old. Most people in this age group require only one shot for protection against these diseases. Boostrix works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. Boostrix will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body. Like any vaccine, Boostrix may not provide protection from disease in every person.
