Tdap, Td, and Boostrix: What’s the difference? 

A patient walked into the pharmacy after cutting his hand while working in the garage.

“I think I need a tetanus shot,” he said. Then he paused. “But is that Tdap, Td, or Boostrix? Are those all different vaccines?”

It’s a common question, and the names can make the answer sound more complicated than it really is.

The simplest explanation is:

• Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
• Td protects against tetanus and diphtheria.
• Boostrix is a brand name for Tdap.

What Is Tdap?

Tdap protects against three diseases:

• Tetanus, sometimes called lockjaw
• Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection
• Pertussis, also called whooping cough

Adults who have never received Tdap should receive one dose. After that, either Tdap or Td may be used for the routine booster recommended every 10 years.

Tdap is also recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, to help protect the newborn from whooping cough during the first months of life.

What Is Td?

Td protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but it does not protect against pertussis.

Once someone has received at least one Tdap dose, either Td or Tdap may generally be used for future 10-year boosters. A booster may also be recommended sooner after certain wounds, depending on the type of wound and when the last tetanus-containing vaccine was given.

What Is Boostrix?

Boostrix is not a separate type of vaccine. It is a brand of Tdap.

Boostrix protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and is FDA-approved for people 10 years of age and older. Adacel is another available Tdap brand.

So, when a pharmacist says you are receiving Boostrix, you are receiving a Tdap vaccine.

Which One Do You Need?

Back at the pharmacy counter, the pharmacist would review the patient’s vaccination history, the type of wound, and when the last tetanus-containing vaccine was given.

The right choice may be:

• Tdap if the patient has never received it
• Td or Tdap for a routine booster
• Td or Tdap for certain wounds
• Tdap during every pregnancy

The exact recommendation depends on your age, vaccination history, pregnancy status, and reason for receiving the vaccine.

The Easy Way to Remember

Tdap = tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis

Td = tetanus and diphtheria

Boostrix = a brand of Tdap

So, Tdap and Td are types of vaccines, while Boostrix is the name of a specific Tdap product.

That patient who walked in asking for a “tetanus shot” may have needed more than a quick injection. He needed someone to check his history and make sure he received the right vaccine at the right time.

Written by:

Vaishnavi Shah 

Resources 

• Tetanus Vaccine Recommendations
• Clinical Guidance for Wound Management to Prevent Tetanus

This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is appropriate for you.