Adult Tetanus Shots Only Needed Every 30 Years, Says New Study

We know that adult tetanus shots and diphtheria vaccine boosters are recommended to be taken every 10 years. However, a new study disproves the need to have it every decade as the initial childhood vaccine can still protect us against tetanus and diphtheria for 30 years even without booster shots.

Study - Adults Don't Need Tetanus Shot Every Decade: https://t.co/U61JX1XHi8 #tetanus

— MD.com (@md_dotcom) March 26, 2016

According to the study's lead researcher Mark Slifka, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the validity of adult tetanus shots and diphtheria vaccination every decade, HNGN reports. The study detailed in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that 10-year booster programs for tetanus and diphtheria should be amended. When researchers analyzed the immunity levels of more than 500 adults after completing the standard five-doze childhood vaccines, they found that the protection from the initial vaccination lasted longer than expected.

"These studies demonstrate that durable levels of protective antitoxin immunity exist in the majority of vaccinated individuals," the researchers wrote. "Together, this suggests that it may no longer be necessary to administer booster vaccinations every 10 years and that the current adult vaccination schedule for tetanus and diphtheria should be revisited."

Even more so, taking the adult tetanus shots and diphtheria booster vaccine could be good for the economy. According to UPI, the 30-year vaccination schedule could save an estimated $280 million in health care costs every year.

Additionally, it's easier to remember when to take the booster shots when it is mandated in 30-year increments. The next adult tetanus and diphtheria vaccination boosters would occur when an individual reaches 30 years old and another when they turn 60 and so forth.

"If we were to use a simple age-based system, people would only have to remember to get their shots when they turn 30 and again when they turn 60," Slifka said, as reported by Philly.