Boostrix, Adacel

Boostrix is prescribed to help prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in adults and some children. It’s a brand-name biologic drug that isn’t available as a biosimilar. Boostrix belongs to a group of drugs called vaccines.

Medically reviewed by Patricia Weiser, PharmD on April 24, 2023
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

This article describes Boostrix’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find some coupon options for Boostrix.

Common questions about Boostrix

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Boostrix.

How does Boostrix compare with Tenivac or Adacel?

Boostrix, Tenivac, and Adacel are all vaccines that provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria infections. In addition, Boostrix and Adacel also provide protection against the pertussis infection.

If you’d like to learn more about how these vaccines compare, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

What is the recommended age for someone to receive the Boostrix vaccine?

At least age 10 years or older. Boostrix may be used to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis infections in adults and children ages 10 years and older.

If you have questions about who can receive the Boostrix vaccine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see the “Uses of Boostrix” section below.

Is Boostrix a live vaccine?

No, Boostrix is not a live vaccine. It’s an inactivated vaccine.

Live vaccines contain a live version of the germ(s) they provide protection against. On the other hand, inactivated vaccines contain a killed version of the germ(s) they protect against.

You cannot get sick from an inactivated vaccine. So Boostrix won’t cause tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis.

If you have questions about vaccines, talk with your doctor.

Can I still receive Boostrix if I have an egg or latex allergy?

Yes, you can likely receive Boostrix if you have an egg or latex allergy.

Either form of Boostrix should be safe to receive if you have an egg allergy. Neither Boostrix product contains egg protein.

If you have a latex allergy, be sure to let your doctor or another healthcare professional know before you receive Boostrix. There are two forms of Boostrix available. One form of the drug comes in prefilled syringes with caps made from latex. So if you have a latex allergy, your doctor will give your dose with the other form of Boostrix that comes in a single-dose vial.

Talk with your doctor if you have allergies and are concerned about receiving Boostrix.

Is it safe to receive Boostrix at the same time as other vaccines, such as Shingrix?

Yes, it’s generally safe to receive Boostrix at the same time as other vaccines, such as Shingrix. (Shingrix vaccine is used to help prevent shingles.) There isn’t a known interaction between getting Boostrix and receiving other vaccines.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor to learn more about appropriate vaccines for you. They can suggest the best schedule for receiving them.

How does Boostrix work? And how long does it take to start working?

Like other vaccines, Boostrix works by teaching your body’s immune system to protect against certain germs. Specifically, it teaches your body to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis infections. They’re caused by different bacteria:

• Tetanus is caused by toxins made by Clostridium tetani bacteria.
• Diphtheria is caused by toxins made by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria.
• Pertussis is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

Boostrix is a vaccine that contains inactivated (killed) tetanus and diphtheria toxins. It also contains inactivated parts of the bacteria that causes pertussis. Boostrix works by teaching your immune system to create antibodies against these toxins and bacteria. These antibodies stay in your system. They’ll become activated when your immune system recognizes these toxins or bacteria in your system.

It takes around 2 weeks for your immune system to make antibodies in response to the vaccine.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how Boostrix works.

Interactions and warnings for Boostrix

Below, you’ll find information about Boostrix’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of Boostrix

For some vaccines, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting other vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you receive Boostrix, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. They can check for interactions these items may cause with Boostrix. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Boostrix” section below.

Warnings for Boostrix

Boostrix should not be taken by certain people. And some people should take it cautiously.

Boostrix could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Boostrix is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of Boostrix you receive.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Boostrix and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Boostrix can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Boostrix or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Boostrix. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to Boostrix, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Boostrix

Information about Boostrix and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Boostrix and pregnancy

Boostrix is considered safe to receive during pregnancy. That said, check with your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you specifically.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a Tdap vaccine, such as Boostrix, between weeks 27 and 36 of every pregnancy. This helps prevent severe infections, such as pertussis (whooping cough) in infants.

If you receive Boostrix while pregnant, consider joining the vaccine pregnancy registry. You can join the registry by calling 888-452-9622 or visiting this website. Pregnancy registries help doctors and patients make choices about safe treatments during pregnancy.

Boostrix and breastfeeding

In general, Boostrix is considered safe to receive while breastfeeding. That said, check with your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you specifically.

Side effects of Boostrix

Boostrix may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Boostrix and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age and overall health and any other medications you take.

To learn more about Boostrix’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for Boostrix.

* To view Boostrix’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of Boostrix are listed below.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Boostrix’s mild side effects include:

• reactions at the injection site, including pain, swelling, or redness or discoloration
• headache
• fatigue (low energy)
• digestive side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for Boostrix” section below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Boostrix are listed below. To learn more about Boostrix’s side effects, see the prescribing information* for Boostrix.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, Boostrix’s serious side effects include:

• fainting (briefly losing consciousness)
• severe allergic reaction†

* To view Boostrix’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for Boostrix” section below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug.

Dosage of Boostrix

Boostrix is a vaccine for protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about when you should receive Boostrix. This is known as a vaccine schedule (how often you receive a vaccine).

Receiving Boostrix

Boostrix vaccine is given as an injection into your muscle. The injection site for Boostrix is your deltoid muscle (upper arm).

Your doctor will explain how Boostrix will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also explain how much you’ll receive.

Uses of Boostrix

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Boostrix for certain conditions. Approved uses for Boostrix are described below.

Use to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)

Doctors may prescribe Boostrix to help prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 10 years and older. It’s also prescribed for use in pregnant people during the third trimester. This is to help prevent these infections in infants younger than 2 months old.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are serious bacterial infections:

• Tetanus. Tetanus (also called lockjaw) affects your nervous system. It causes tightened muscles throughout your body. Tetanus is considered a medical emergency and can be life threatening if it’s not treated quickly. Symptoms include muscle spasms or stiff muscles. It also includes trouble swallowing, fever, sweating, and fast heart rate.
• Diphtheria. Diphtheria affects your throat and nose. It’s a medical emergency that can cause severe kidney, nervous system, and heart damage if not treated. It can even be life threatening. Symptoms include a thick, gray coating on your tonsils and throat, sore throat, or a “barking” cough. It also includes fever or chills, or generally feeling unwell.
• Pertussis. Pertussis (also called whooping cough) affects your lungs and airways. It causes an uncontrollable cough that makes it hard to breathe. Pertussis can be life threatening in infants and young children.

Boostrix coupon

You may be able to save money on your prescription for Boostrix by using our Perks discount coupons. These can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for Boostrix, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more about the cost of Boostrix in this article.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes Boostrix’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about Boostrix or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Is it safe for me to receive Boostrix based on my medical history?
• I’ve fainted after receiving vaccines in the past. What precautions should we take when I get Boostrix?
• Is it safe for me to drive home after I get Boostrix?

Article resources

• Boostrix (Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, Adsorbed) injectable suspension, for intramuscular use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/46993726-584e-4907-ac4d-94e59b236b82/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Purple Book: Database of licensed biological products. https://purplebooksearch.fda.gov
• Get a whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/pregnant/mom/get-vaccinated.html

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.