Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines: Their Usefulness in the Aging Population

Immunization is a safe, effective and simple way of preventing life-threatening tetanus infection in children and adults, and is therefore recommended for all age groups in all European countries. In older persons, despite waning immunity with increasing age, the majority of vaccinees attain protective tetanus immunity under a proper vaccination schedule. Based on the scientific evidence, decennial boosters are recommended for elderly persons who have received primary tetanus vaccination in the past. Until recently, pertussis vaccination was understood as an early childhood intervention. Due to decreasing immunity, re-vaccination of youngsters and adults is recommended and is also considered for seniors 60 years and over. Routine immunization of seniors against pertussis every ten years yields a high level of protection of older individuals, and at the same time contributes to epidemiological control of pertussis in the population.