What is the Boostrix vaccine age range?

Boostrix is FDA approved for people ages 10 and older. Medical experts have recommendations on [when to get it](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/vaccines/how-often-do-you-need-a-tetanus-shot). The [American Academy of Pediatrics](https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf) recommends all children to get it at 11 to 12 years old. The [American Academy of Family Physicians](https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/immunizations-vaccines/immunization-schedules/adult-immunization-schedule.html) says adults who haven't had a Tdap shot should get Boostrix, and then get a booster every 10 years. [Medical experts](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-tdap-vaccine-and-pregnancy) also recommend it during each pregnancy. You might also need Boostrix after certain injuries, like a deep cut or a puncture wound. Talk to your primary care provider or another healthcare professional about getting Boostrix.

Is Boostrix a live vaccine?

No, Boostrix isn't a live vaccine. It's a different type of vaccine called an [inactivated vaccine](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/vaccines/how-vaccines-work#types-of-vaccines). It contains inactive pieces of the bacteria that cause tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Your immune system uses these pieces to make antibodies against the bacteria. This helps your body build protection.

Where can I get Boostrix?

You can get Boostrix at a medical office or local pharmacy. Sometimes, it's also offered at certain community sites, like health clinics or schools. [Some children](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/about/index.html) might be able to get it through the Vaccines For Children Program at certain locations. Boostrix must be given by a trained healthcare professional. It's not a vaccine you can pick up, take home, and give it yourself. If you need help finding where to get Boostrix, ask a healthcare professional.

How long does Boostrix last?

The protection from Boostrix lasts about [10 years](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2532581/). That's why adults are usually recommended to get a booster shot [every 10 years](https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/immunizations-vaccines/immunization-schedules/adult-immunization-schedule.html) to stay protected. In some cases, some people might need another Boostrix shot sooner before then, like during pregnancy or after getting a puncture wound. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions.

When should you get Boostrix during pregnancy?

Boostrix is FDA approved for the third trimester of each pregnancy. The [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists](https://www.acog.org/clinical-information/physician-faqs/tetanus-diphtheria-and-pertussis) recommends getting it between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. Getting it earlier in this time frame gives your body more time to make protective antibodies and pass them to your baby. This helps [protect](https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/tdap-vaccination-during-pregnancy.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/pregnant/mom/get-vaccinated.html) your newborn from [whooping cough](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/cough/whooping-cough) during the first 2 months of life. This is when they're at highest risk. Talk to your obstetrician about when to get Boostrix during pregnancy.

Is Boostrix the same as Tdap?

Boostrix is one of the brand names for the Tdap vaccine. It helps protect against [tetanus](https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/index.html), [diphtheria](https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/index.html), and [pertussis](https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html) (or [whooping cough](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/cough/whooping-cough)).

Boostrix

Tdap vaccine

Used for Bacterial Infection

Boostrix is a Tdap vaccine. It protects you from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (also known as whooping cough). This vaccine is approved for people ages 10 years and older. It's also approved to be given during the third trimester of pregnancy to help protect the newborn baby from whooping cough. Boostrix is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare professional. Side effects include pain at the injection site, headache, and fatigue.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on March 13, 2026

What is Boostrix?

What is Boostrix used for?

Prevention of:
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis (also known as whooping cough)

How Boostrix works

Boostrix is a type of vaccine called an inactivated vaccine. It helps protect you against infection from three bacteria that cause different conditions: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies against the bacteria. The antibodies then can attack and protect you from the bacteria if you ever get exposed to them.

Are you looking for information on Adacel (Tdap vaccine) or Daptacel, Infanrix (DTaP vaccine) instead?

When does Boostrix start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

Full effect

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Boostrix
Drug Class	Vaccine
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Boostrix

Drug Class

Vaccine

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Boostrix

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Pain at injection site (75%)
Headache (43%)
Tiredness (37%)
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain (26%)
Redness at injection site (23%)
Swelling at injection site (21%)
Fever (14%)

Less Common Side Effects

Rash
Muscle pain

Boostrix serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain

When do Boostrix possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site

Headache

Tiredness

Source: DailyMed

The following Boostrix side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Collapse or shock-like state

crying for 3 hours or more

fever over 102.2 °F

redness or swelling of 4 inches or more at the injection site

seizures (convulsions)

severe pain at the injection site

Incidence not known

Agitation

back pain

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

blood in the urine or stools

bloody nose

bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds

blurred vision

confusion

cough

diarrhea

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

drowsiness

fast heartbeat

hallucinations

headache

hoarseness

irritability

irritation

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

loss of bladder control

loss of consciousness

loss of strength or energy

muscle pain or weakness

nausea and vomiting

pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin

screaming

shortness of breath

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sneezing

sore throat

stiff neck

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

tightness in the chest

total body jerking

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Fever of 99.5 °F or more

fussiness

loss of appetite

mild pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site

restlessness

weight loss

Incidence not known

Crying

ear pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Boostrix side effects

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Pros and cons of Boostrix

Pros

Works well to protect you from tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough
Can be given with other vaccines

Cons

Given as an injection into the arm muscle by a healthcare professional
Can cause pain, redness, or swelling where it's injected

Pharmacist tips for Boostrix

Before getting Boostrix, tell the healthcare professional about your conditions and medications. They can make sure the vaccine is right for you. It might not work as well if you have certain health issues or take medications that weaken your immune system. If you have a brain problem, some side effects from Boostrix might look like your condition is getting worse.
If you have a high fever or feel very sick on the day of your Boostrix shot, talk to a healthcare professional about waiting. Getting the vaccine when you feel better can help your body build strong protection. If you only feel mildly sick, like with a cold or low fever, you can still get Boostrix.
The area where you got Boostrix can feel sore, get red, or be a little swollen. This is usually mild, happens a few hours after you get the shot, and goes away in a couple days. Placing a cool compress on the area and moving your arm a bit can help.
If you have a serious or severe reaction to Boostrix, let your care team know. You can also report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS).
Read the vaccine information statement for more information on Boostrix.

Common questions about Boostrix

Boostrix is FDA approved for people ages 10 and older. Medical experts have recommendations on when to get it. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children to get it at 11 to 12 years old. The American Academy of Family Physicians says adults who haven't had a Tdap shot should get Boostrix, and then get a booster every 10 years. Medical experts also recommend it during each pregnancy. You might also need Boostrix after certain injuries, like a deep cut or a puncture wound. Talk to your primary care provider or another healthcare professional about getting Boostrix.

No, Boostrix isn't a live vaccine. It's a different type of vaccine called an inactivated vaccine. It contains inactive pieces of the bacteria that cause tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Your immune system uses these pieces to make antibodies against the bacteria. This helps your body build protection.

You can get Boostrix at a medical office or local pharmacy. Sometimes, it's also offered at certain community sites, like health clinics or schools. Some children might be able to get it through the Vaccines For Children Program at certain locations. Boostrix must be given by a trained healthcare professional. It's not a vaccine you can pick up, take home, and give it yourself. If you need help finding where to get Boostrix, ask a healthcare professional.

The protection from Boostrix lasts about 10 years. That's why adults are usually recommended to get a booster shot every 10 years to stay protected. In some cases, some people might need another Boostrix shot sooner before then, like during pregnancy or after getting a puncture wound. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions.

Boostrix is FDA approved for the third trimester of each pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends getting it between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. Getting it earlier in this time frame gives your body more time to make protective antibodies and pass them to your baby. This helps protect your newborn from whooping cough during the first 2 months of life. This is when they're at highest risk. Talk to your obstetrician about when to get Boostrix during pregnancy.

Don't get Boostrix if you've had a serious allergic reaction to any part of the vaccine before. You should also avoid it if you have an allergy to any vaccines related to tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis. And if you've had brain problems after getting a whooping cough vaccine in the past, you shouldn't get Boostrix. Ask your healthcare team if you're not sure whether Boostrix is safe for you.

Not quite. Boostrix and Adacel are two types of Tdap vaccines. They both work well to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). But they have slightly different approved age ranges. Boostrix has a wider range and is approved for people ages 10 years and older. But Adacel is approved for people between 10 and 64 years old. The two brand names of the Tdap vaccine are also made a little bit differently. Talk to a healthcare professional to compare more.

Boostrix is one of the brand names for the Tdap vaccine. It helps protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (or whooping cough).

Risks and warnings for Boostrix

Boostrix can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Severe allergic reactions

Risk factors: Allergic reaction to other vaccines

There's a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction after getting Boostrix. The healthcare professional might ask you to stay for a short time after to make sure you feel okay. They can get you medical care if a serious allergic reaction happens.

Sometimes, allergic reactions can happen after you go home. Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction. This can include swelling of the face, throat tightness, trouble breathing, hives, rash, dizziness, nausea, or chest pain.

If you've had a rare reaction called an Arthus reaction after a tetanus vaccine, you should wait at least 10 years before getting another Boostrix shot.

Guillain-Barré syndrome and other nerve problems

Risk factors: Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving any tetanus vaccine

In very rare cases, some people have had nerve problems like Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after getting Boostrix. This can cause nerve damage and lead to pain, muscle weakness, or even trouble moving parts of the body. Tell your primary care provider right away if you notice these symptoms after getting the vaccine.

If you had GBS within 6 weeks of getting a tetanus vaccine in the past, your risk might be higher with another dose. Before getting Boostrix, tell the healthcare professional if this has happened to you. They can make sure it's safe for you.

Lower response to Boostrix for people with a weakened immune system

Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system

Boostrix might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. They could still be at high risk of tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, even after getting the vaccine.

Tell your primary care provider or healthcare professional about your conditions and medications. Some health problems can weaken your immune system. This can include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or cancer. Also, some medications can lower how well the immune system works. Examples are high-dose steroids and transplant medications. If this applies to you, talk to your primary care provider about staying protected.

Fainting

Risk factors: Fainting after receiving vaccines in the past

Some people might faint after getting injectable vaccines, such as Boostrix. Signs that you might faint include blurry vision or feeling dizzy, sweaty, clammy, or weak. Tell the healthcare professional if you've fainted after getting vaccines. They can watch you closely while giving you the vaccine and right after.

Boostrix dosage

The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.5ml of Boostrix is $54.03 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 38.73% off the average retail price of $88.18.

Syringe

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
0.5ml	1 syringe	$54.03	$54.03

Vial

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
0.5ml	1 vial	$48.99	$48.99

See more Boostrix dosage

Interactions between Boostrix and other drugs

Boostrix may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Boostrix. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

See more Boostrix interactions

How much does Boostrix cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Boostrix (brand)

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Boostrix contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Boostrix will not be safe for you to take.

Allergy to any tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis-containing vaccine (including DT, Td, and DTaP)
Having brain problems within 7 days of a previous dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine. These problems can include confusion, memory loss, coma, seizures, or being less alert than usual.