Safety of a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine when used off-label in an elderly population

This study aims to examine a large cohort of Tdap users 65 years or older for evidence of increased risk of adverse events following vaccination. Methods: A matched cohort study design and a self-controlled case series (SCCS) design were used.  The study population was adults aged 65 years or older who received the Tdap or tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine during 1 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2010 at 7 health maintenance organisations in the United States.  Seven major groups of prespecified events were identified electronically by diagnostic codes. Results: The study included 119,573 Tdap vaccinees and the same number of Td vaccinees.  The results indicated that the risk of the prespecified events following Tdap was comparable to that following Td vaccination in this elderly population.  There was a small ...
Source: NeLM - Care of Older People - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: news